Independent School Management

Who’s new (or new-ish) to the Dean of Students role? 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️

The day-to-day for this role is a whirlwind. You’re the "bridge" for everyone else, but who is supporting you?

This July, ISM Summer Institute has workshops specifically for middle and upper school deans — designed to help you grow in the role and deliver for your school and students.

You'll leave with tools, connections, and real plan for success in the coming year.

🖇 Links for two workshops are in the comments.👇

This summer, ISM thrilled to welcome Debra Wilson, President of NAIS -- National Association of Independent Schools , as a keynote speaker for our 15th Annual !

Debra will explore the national trends shaping enrollment, philanthropy, and governance, which sets the tone for a week of hands-on learning and peer-to-peer problem-solving.

Whether you're in , , , or a , this is your chance to get ahead of the curve together and head back to school with a concrete plan to thrive.

🚨 EARLY BIRD ALERT: Register by May 4 to lock in the best rates for your team!

We can't wait to see you in DC July 20–24! 🏛️

👇 Link for details and registration in the first comment!

Temperature check: How's everyone doing?

Spring Break is officially in the rearview mirror. What's next?

The "Final Stretch."
The "End-of-Year Crunch."
Or as some of us call it ... the May-hem!

Take a breath. Do your future self a favor. Make a plan to trade the end-of-year "rescue missions" for a roadmap. 🏔️

Register for summer PD with ISM!

🗓️ Week of July 13: ISM Summer Institute in Salt Lake City
Choose one of our 15 role-specific workshops that provide the tools and expertise your school needs now.

🗓️ July 20-24: Advancement Academy in Washington, DC
Focus specifically on the essential Advancement functions — development, admissions, marketing communications, and heads of school.

What makes PD from ISM so powerful?
> Learning from expert mentors in role-based cohorts
> Connecting with colleagues from across the globe who understand the unique challenges of your role
> Creating a *concrete action plan* to realize your goals for 2026-27

A few important deadlines:
🐦 May 4: Early Bird pricing deadline
🎓 April 30: Apply for the Harold Brown Scholarship, which furnishes full tuition for Advancement Academy

Let's finish the year strong, and we’ll see you on the other side!

Leading your school’s AI strategy isn't an assignment for IT. It's a fundamental act of mission stewardship.

While tech provides the tools, the strategy belongs to the heart of the school. School leaders like you provide the steady guidance that ensures your school’s vision and values remain the priority in every decision.

This Tuesday, February 10, Dr. Maggie Renken is hosting a workshop specifically for non-technical leaders. It's designed to help you lead the AI conversation in your community with confidence.

The Details:
🗓️ Tuesday, Feb 10 | 11 AM & 2 PM ET (3 hours total)
🧑‍🏫 Virtual & Interactive, with direct instruction from Dr. Renken

The registration link is in the first comment below. 👇

It's a long winter full of critical decisions. When planning for next year, does your school rely on the shadows of long-held traditions? Or are you looking for verified data directly from your community?

ISM can help you ask the right questions, interpret the answers accurately, and proceed with confidence.

Tell us in the comments: If you could have a 5-minute honest conversation with every parent at your school today, what would you ask them? 👇

Learn more about ISM Surveys: https://isminc.com/edtech-solutions/surveys

Hey, ISM learning community! There’s still time to sign up for one of our December learning events.

From alumni engagement to adapting to an AI-shaped learning landscape, we’re here to help you solve real problems, advance strategy, and support student success.

Swipe through to explore everything coming up. We'll put the link to register in the comments below.

NOTE: Webinars are free for all ISM member schools, and members also have access to our complete library of on-demand webinars.

What other topics are you interested in for 2026?

"The right team and the right map can get you through almost anything.”

In our latest blog, ISM Consultant Michael Christopher shares why every effective strategic plan starts with a roadmap that’s well-used, well-loved, and shared by everyone on the journey.

🗺️ Read more → https://isminc.com/strategic-planning-board-head-alignment

How are you engaging with families — on your terms, or on theirs?

Sometimes the systems school leaders design to make *our* lives easier end up making things harder for families. Every extra step, every confusing form, every missed opportunity to connect — it all adds up.

In her new ISM blog, Consultant Casey Bell, Ph.D. shares how simplifying your processes can strengthen relationships and build lasting trust.

Read more: https://isminc.com/build-processes-build-relationships

Surveys are an essential leadership tool. They help schools make informed decisions based on real community feedback — but only if leaders are truly listening.

In our latest blog, Dr. Bryan Smyth explores how emotional reactions to data can block progress — and what school leaders can do to move from fear to action.

Read the full article 👉 https://isminc.com/surveys-how-fear-blocks-action

ISM Learning Community: We posted this poll on LinkedIn, but let's see if we can collect more opinions here!

What's on your mind this fall? What are your biggest priorities?

👪 Enrollment growth and retention
🧘‍♀️ Student well-being concerns
🤖 Addressing AI policy and adoption
🎱 Something else!

Annual fund, alumni events, facilities, athletics, scheduling ... what's keeping you busy? Comment below!

Enrollment/Admission friends: Who's at EMA this week!? We love Austin!

Stop by our booth to visit Mike, Adrienne, Casey, and Jesse! You can also enter for a chance to win a full year of .

ISM proud to sponsor EMA|AC25. We love helping schools find solutions to enrollment challenges!

Happy Labor Day! Today we celebrate the school leaders, faculty, and staff who work so hard to help students flourish.

For 50 years, ISM has been honored to partner with you. We wish you a restful holiday and a successful year ahead!