Raise the bar.
25+ WORKSHOPS | HANDS-ON LEARNING | ACTION PLANNING | NETWORKING
Whether you're new to private-independent schools, taking on a fresh position, or looking to master an advanced skill, immerse yourself in the latest research and leading methods at ISM’s Summer Institute.
How Summer Institute Works
Unlike typical conferences, Summer Institute is a series of 25+ workshops offered in Philadelphia, PA. Most classes are capped at 24 participants, ensuring small class sizes where participants can ask questions, engage one-on-one with the instructor, and truly connect with their classmates.
Summer Institute features training for administrators and faculty leaders at every level, scheduled to optimize networking for like-minded professionals. Classes are created to best suit those who are new to their position, experienced in their role, or are looking for a deeper perspective on a specific topic.
The Confidence You Need to Succeed
Starting a new position or mastering a new skill can be overwhelming. Gain the confidence to perform your job efficiently, backed by over 40 years of institutional knowledge, research, and insight. With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can't go wrong. Join hundreds of private school professionals from around the world!
Tangible Resources
Become immersed in core ISM theory throughout your workshop—and learn how to convert that theory to practical application through extensive examples, interactive exercises, and group discussion. Leave with workshop materials and information that can be referenced long after the event concludes, helping you improve your strategies when you're back in your office.
Practical Strategies
Work alongside experienced ISM consultants and private-independent school leaders to formulate practical strategies that you can implement immediately upon your return to campus. Our leaders help you take an objective look at your current operations, form goals, and make plans that will strengthen your school and benefit your students.
Networking
One of the best perks of ISM's workshops! Get to know private-independent school peers from around the world and build relationships that will last for years to come. Meal times and social hours allow for extended opportunities where you can meet fellow attendees and strengthen your professional network, empowering you through lasting connections.
Where do I start? Everything was absolutely amazing! I came into this workshop thinking "Where do I start?" After just a few days, and learning more than I ever have before, I am 100% prepared with action plans, goals, and ideas to implement on Monday!
Amy Maier, Head of Lower School
Madison Country Day School, WI
See All Workshops
Early Bird
Mastering Enrollment Management
Date(s): 6/22/2020 — 6/25/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open ● Credits: 30 IACP
Unveil the root causes for declining enrollment at your private-independent school. Join us and learn how to collect and use data to determine the nature of the decline—and to pinpoint specific strategies to address the contributing factors.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $3,169 Gold Members // $3,728 General // $2,289 Second Person
$2,852.00
for Gold Members
$3,356.00 General Price
$2,289.00 Second Person Pricing
Early Bird
Capital Campaign Mastery: Design and Implement an Extraordinary Campaign
Date(s): 6/22/2020 — 6/25/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open ● Credits: 30 IACP
Your school, whether large or small, can run a successful capital campaign—with the correct preparation. Learn the strategies you need to fully prepare you for a successful campaign, motivate and engage your supporters, and create an inspirational and sustainable vision for the future.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $3,169 Gold Members // $3,728 General // $2,289 Second Person
$2,852.00
for Gold Members
$3,356.00 General Price
$2,289.00 Second Person Pricing
Early Bird
Scheduling the Elementary School Program
Date(s): 6/22/2020 — 6/24/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open
Learn unique processes and principles to address the specific scheduling challenges of the lower school. Discover what the ideal lower school schedule should include, identify your program and space requirements, and design a schedule with instructor assistance and critique that meets your school’s mission.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $2,377 Gold Members // $2,797 General
$2,139.00
for Gold Members
$2,517.00 General Price
Early Bird
Directing the Athletic and PE Programs
Date(s): 6/22/2020 — 6/25/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open
Build a successful athletic program that meets your private-independent school’s mission. Learn how to create and implement physical education initiatives that encourage students to lead happy and healthy lives, while maintaining policies that protect their safety.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $3,169 Gold Members // $3,728 General // $2,289 Second Person
$2,852.00
for Gold Members
$3,356.00 General Price
$2,289.00 Second Person Pricing
Early Bird
Chairing Your Department: The First Five Years
Date(s): 6/22/2020 — 6/26/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open
Department Chairs must act as an essential bridge between your school’s Leadership Team and your educators. Learn how to bolster your leadership capabilities, sharpen your communications skills, manage your team with confidence, and support your school’s long-term goals.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $4,259 Gold Members // $5,011 General
$3,833.00
for Gold Members
$4,510.00 General Price
Early Bird
The New Marketing Communications Director
Date(s): 6/22/2020 — 6/25/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open ● Credits: 30 IACP
The efforts of the Marketing Communications Office are integral to your private-independent school, providing a unified message to your faculty and staff, students, families, and the larger community. Discover how to excel in this position through proven strategies, in-depth knowledge, and hands-on activities to create a marketing communication action plan you can immediately implement in the new school year.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $3,169 Gold Members // $3,728 General
$2,852.00
for Gold Members
$3,356.00 General Price
Early Bird
The New Admission Director
Date(s): 6/22/2020 — 6/25/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open ● Credits: 30 IACP
Get the big-picture view of the factors most impacting your ability to recruit and re-recruit mission-appropriate students. Through ISM’s admission funnel model, observe sound strategies, common pitfalls, and well-developed solutions to the most frequent issues arising in private school Admission Offices.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $3,169 Gold Members // $3,728 General
$2,852.00
for Gold Members
$3,356.00 General Price
Early Bird
Transformative Academic Leadership
Date(s): 6/22/2020 — 6/26/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open
Growth and change can either excite and energize a school community, or cause concern and incite resistance. Examine and build upon your own leadership style to empower others and foster a healthy, positive culture that embraces mission-centered initiatives to serve the best interests of your students.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $4,259 Gold Members // $5,011 General // $3,052 Second Person
$3,833.00
for Gold Members
$4,510.00 General Price
$3,052.00 Second Person Pricing
Early Bird
The New Middle School Dean of Students
Date(s): 7/6/2020 — 7/9/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open
Examine your work as a new Middle School Dean and hone your approach to furthering your school’s mission. Work alongside fellow Deans of Students and workshop leaders to better understand your students, set measurable goals, and return to your middle school with an action plan in hand.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $3,169 Gold Members // $3,728 General
$2,852.00
for Gold Members
$3,356.00 General Price
Early Bird
Leading the Effective Lower School
Date(s): 7/6/2020 — 7/10/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open
Learn how to turn your lower school division into an exceptional environment that provides stable, student-centered learning for all families. Discover how to lead your school with integrity and best serve your mission and your community.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $4,259 Gold Members // $5,011 General
$3,833.00
for Gold Members
$4,510.00 General Price
Early Bird
Student-Centered Scheduling
Date(s): 7/6/2020 — 7/10/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open
Learn the latest research in scheduling and classroom instruction, going back to basics to create a healthy schedule that reduces conflict and enhances the quality of your graduates. Refocus your school’s scheduling strategy on what’s best for your students to maximize their experiences with your school.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $4,259 Gold Members // $5,011 General // $3,052 Second Person
$3,833.00
for Gold Members
$4,510.00 General Price
$3,052.00 Second Person Pricing
Early Bird
Leading the Effective Middle School
Date(s): 7/6/2020 — 7/10/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open
Your middle school community deserves a leader who supports your school’s mission and culture, engages the faculty and staff, and enriches the student experience. Attend this workshop to learn skills, strategies, and tactics based on the latest leadership research. Leave with a custom action plan to move your middle school community forward.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $4,259 Gold Members // $5,011 General
$3,833.00
for Gold Members
$4,510.00 General Price
Early Bird
Leading the Effective Upper School
Date(s): 7/6/2020 — 7/10/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open
Feel confident in your role as an upper school leader by attending this weeklong workshop. Work alongside fellow upper school Division Heads to strengthen your leadership skills, learn how to navigate change, promote a healthy school culture, achieve your school and personal goals, and support your school’s mission.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $4,259 Gold Members // $5,011 General
$3,833.00
for Gold Members
$4,510.00 General Price
Early Bird
Chairing Your Department: The First Five Years
Date(s): 7/6/2020 — 7/10/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open
Department Chairs must act as an essential bridge between your school’s Leadership Team and your educators. Learn how to bolster your leadership capabilities, sharpen your communications skills, manage your team with confidence, and support your school’s long-term goals.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $4,259 Gold Members // $5,011 General
$3,833.00
for Gold Members
$4,510.00 General Price
Early Bird
Balance Your Roles as Upper School Dean of Students
Date(s): 7/6/2020 — 7/10/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open
The Upper School Dean of Students must balance working as an advocate for the students and as a disciplinarian to support the school culture. Attend this workshop to explore how to manage these roles while furthering your school’s mission and keeping students first in everything that you do.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $4,259 Gold Members // $5,011 General
$3,833.00
for Gold Members
$4,510.00 General Price
Early Bird
Strategic Financial Planning – A Comprehensive Approach
Date(s): 7/6/2020 — 7/8/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open ● Credits: 30 IACP/30 BCP/22.5 CPE
Increase cash reserves, enrollment levels, and long-term viability. These are the goals at every school—and they are attainable if you have the right strategic financial plan. ISM’s proven approach to strategic financial planning helps you experience financial success now, while positioning your school strongly for the future.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $2,377 Gold Members // $2,797 General // $1,604 Second Person
$2,139.00
for Gold Members
$2,517.00 General Price
$1,604.00 Second Person Pricing
Early Bird
Build a Strong Advisory Program
Date(s): 7/13/2020 — 7/16/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open
Create and implement a thriving advisory program to support your middle and upper school students. Explore core concepts, design models, and recommended strategies for building an advisory program that reflects and supports the mission of your school.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $3,169 Gold Members // $3,728 General // $2,289 Second Person
$2,852.00
for Gold Members
$3,356.00 General Price
$2,289.00 Second Person Pricing
Early Bird
Strong Leaders, Successful Schools: Strategies to Build High-Performing Teams
Date(s): 7/13/2020 — 7/16/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open
Explore how to create a Leadership Team that communicates effectively, relates cohesively, and exceeds its goals. You’ll discover how to pursue team excellence with strategies for managing up, down, and sideways to reap the results of strong cultures, healthy teams, clear purpose, and powerful relationships.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $3,169 Gold Members // $3,728 General // $2,289 Second Person
$2,852.00
for Gold Members
$3,356.00 General Price
$2,289.00 Second Person Pricing
Early Bird
Executive Leadership: A Workshop for Heads and Business Managers
Date(s): 7/13/2020 — 7/16/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open ● Credits: 30 IACP/30 BCP
Working and learning together, the School Head and Business Manager can create a powerful alliance that enables a school to build an enduring culture—while aligning and ensuring excellence of the strategic decision-making processes and day-to-day operations. Explore your complementary roles and responsibilities to build a strong professional relationship and support your school's mission for years to come.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $3,169 Gold Members // $3,728 General // $2,289 Second Person
$2,852.00
for Gold Members
$3,356.00 General Price
$2,289.00 Second Person Pricing
Early Bird
The Assistant Headship
Date(s): 7/13/2020 — 7/16/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open
Assistant Heads juggle multiple tasks, interact with various constituencies, and act as the school leader when the Head is unavailable. Learn management strategies that are critical to enhancing your school’s stability and ability to carry out its mission, ensuring your continued success as Assistant Head.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $3,169 Gold Members // $3,728 General
$2,852.00
for Gold Members
$3,356.00 General Price
Early Bird
The New Admission Director
Date(s): 7/13/2020 — 7/16/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open ● Credits: 30 IACP
Get the big-picture view of the factors most impacting your ability to recruit and re-recruit mission-appropriate students. Through ISM’s admission funnel model, observe sound strategies, common pitfalls, and well-developed solutions to the most frequent issues arising in private school Admission Offices.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $3,169 Gold Members // $3,728 General
$2,852.00
for Gold Members
$3,356.00 General Price
Early Bird
The Vital Role of the Executive or Administrative Assistant
Date(s): 7/13/2020 — 7/16/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open
Whether you support the School Head or another administrator, lead from your position in a manner that sets you and your school apart. Learn proven strategies and tactics for supporting your supervisor, your team, your mission, and your school.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $3,169 Gold Members // $3,728 General
$2,852.00
for Gold Members
$3,356.00 General Price
Early Bird
Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity: Strategies for Private-Independent Schools
Date(s): 7/13/2020 — 7/15/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open ● Credits: 20 IACP
Gain the tools to effectively direct inclusion, diversity, and equity initiatives in your school and implement sustainable approaches that will support your entire community. Participate in critical self-reflection and practical skills activities to develop essential competencies for systemic, lasting inclusion, diversity, and equity programs that best serve your private-independent school.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $2,377 Gold Members // $2,797 General // $1,604 Second Person
$2,139.00
for Gold Members
$2,517.00 General Price
$1,604.00 Second Person Pricing
Early Bird
The New Development Director
Date(s): 7/13/2020 — 7/16/2020 ● Location: Philadelphia, PA ● Status: Open ● Credits: 30 IACP
Whether you’re a new Development Director or just joining a private-independent school, learn the foundational principles of development within your community that support your mission and drive it forward. Discover how your development strategy should fit into the overall advancement efforts of your school, the role of volunteer programs and special events in promoting community and philanthropic giving, and how to develop your custom action plan for the coming school year.
Early Bird Discounts end 4/17/2020!
Standard Pricing: $3,169 Gold Members // $3,728 General
$2,852.00
for Gold Members
$3,356.00 General Price
Southpointe Academy, BC, Canada
Gain Invaluable Information
"This was an excellent workshop—To the point and very well laid out in an easy-to-understand, efficient manner. The leaders were two of the best I've had. They communicated complex ideas in a very efficient way. Both were excellent!"
Mino Padda, Director of Finance and Operations
Salisbury Academy, NC
Build a Lasting Peer Network
"In all of my years in education, this ISM conference was one of the most valuable workshops I have attended. I came to this conference because I never had a mentor in my current role. This conference gave me 20 of those and so much more. I definitely have the tools and strategies I need to be a more effective leader in my school."
Elizabeth Anderson, Lower School Division Director
The Girls’ School of Austin, TX
Be a Confident Leader
"There were so many valuable components to this workshop and I am leaving with a wealth of information, a deeper understanding of my role and practical tools to continue my work. The resources shared with us were excellent - tailored to what we needed and asked for. I’m sure I will be accessing the resource folder for years to come."
Cathleen Eclarinal, Head of School