What You Will Learn

Explore the latest research about independent schools with leading experts in the field. Examine best practices for managing resources, hone your leadership skills and work closely with peers on shared challenges.

Program Overview

Designed specifically for independent school leaders, the institute provides a practical perspective on current research about independent schools guided by expert Harvard faculty. The curriculum covers topics ranging from personal leadership to innovative instructional strategies to financial sustainability, providing a rigorous and intellectually challenging experience. You will look closely at the challenges of strategic and instructional leadership with top researchers in the field and learn how to apply these findings in your school.

The Independent Schools Institute combines large group sessions with small-group peer discussions. The smaller working groups create a forum for thoughtful discussion, helping you to synthesize new ideas and gain unexpected insights from your colleagues.

Program Objectives

• Learn innovative and research-based strategies to improve teaching and learning in your school
• Develop and strengthen leadership skills needed to respond to change and educational challenges
• Examine best practices for managing resources
• Understand how to respond to and manage the expectations of a wide variety of stakeholders

Who Should Attend

• Heads of school, assistant heads, deans, directors and department heads from independent schools

Faculty Chair

James Honan is Senior Lecturer on Education and the Educational Co-chair for the Institute for Educational Management at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Honan's teaching and research interests include financial management of nonprofit organizations, organizational performance measurement and management, and higher-education administration. Honan serves as a consultant on strategic planning, resource allocation and performance measurement and management to numerous colleges, universities, schools and nonprofit organizations, both nationally and internationally.

Faculty

Patrick Bassett, President, National Association of Independent Schools

Howard Gardner, John H. and Elisabeth A. Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education, HGSE

Monica Higgins, Professor of Education, HGSE

Richard Light, Carl H. Pforzheimer, Jr. Professor of Teaching and Learning, HGSE

Susan Moore Johnson, Jerome T. Murphy Professor in Education, HGSE

Leah Price, Professor of English; Chair of the Committee on Degrees in History and Literature, Harvard University

Richard Weissbourd, Lecturer on Education; Director, Human Development and Psychology Program, HGSE

Enrollment Instructions

Independent Schools Institute is an application based program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by the admissions committee. To maximize the learning experience, the institute aims to bring together as diverse a group as possible. Admission decisions are returned via email within two weeks.

Payment is due within 30 days of acceptance into the program. If acceptance into the program falls less than 30 days prior to program start date, payment is due upon acceptance.

Fees

The comprehensive program fee includes tuition, all instructional materials and refreshments. Participants receive a certificate of completion and a letter confirming clock hours of instruction. 

Payment or a purchase order must be received within 30 days of registration. Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses.

Accommodations

Hotel accommodations are made available to participants at a reduced rate. Detailed program information and accommodation options will be provided to all admitted participants. The Harvard Graduate School of Education is not responsible for non-refundable travel arrangements or other planning expenses incurred. We recommend that you not make lodging and travel arrangements until you are admitted to the program.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be submitted via fax or email. Full refunds will be given up to 30 days prior to the start of the program. Due to program demand and pre-program preparations, cancellations received 29–14 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of 10% of the program tuition. Cancellations received within 13 days prior to the start of the program and no-shows are subject to the full program tuition. Please note: cancellation fees are based upon the date the written request is received.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education reserves the right to change faculty or cancel programs at its discretion. In the unlikely event of program changes, the school is not responsible for non-refundable travel arrangements or other planning expenses incurred.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Harvard Graduate School of Education affirms the right of all individuals to equal treatment in education without regard to age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, handicap, national origin, or any other factors that are extraneous to effective performance. The Harvard Graduate School of Education will accommodate anyone with disabilities.