The State of Student Well-Being in 2025: Trend Lines and Next Steps

Even before the pandemic, student well-being was on the decline. When schools shut down, many predicted an even greater crisis — but what actually happened? ISM data from the past two school years reveal a more nuanced picture: While 5th and 6th graders were generally flourishing, older students experienced high levels of distress. Yet, despite hopes that a return to normalcy would restore student well-being, challenges persist.

Five Things Heads Need to Know About Private School Vouchers

Many state legislatures have either adopted or are considering some version of a “voucher” program to redirect state tax dollars for tuition assistance at private schools. Our panel will address the various iterations of voucher programs being implemented in many states and will explore the factors (legal, financial, operational, curricular, and philosophical) schools must weigh when considering participating in voucher programs.

Strengthen Your Annual Fund With a Volunteer Cabinet That Works

The annual fund is more than just a fundraising campaign — it’s the heartbeat of your development program. It engages the widest circle of your school community, builds a culture of giving and getting involved, and often serves as the first step in identifying those who will take on further leadership roles.

Business Outlook for Private-Independent Schools: Gloomy, With Heavy Rain Likely — A Chance of Isolated Major Thunderstorms

For 50 years, ISM’s advice has been consistent — the school’s mission and its core values must remain the bedrock by which its leaders evaluate the school’s operational realities. For boards and administrators alike, navigating political and cultural changes is difficult work. But in tumultuous times, focusing on the school’s mission becomes all the more important.

With that in mind, it is possible to examine recent developments with clarity.

Navigating Uncertainty: Supporting Your Community

To many school leaders and families, the current cultural moment seems particularly fraught — marked by uncertainty and division. But many schools have weathered previous storms and have even grown and prospered during challenging times. In periods of stability and periods of tumult, we know from experience and research that parents look to their child’s school for safety, security, and support.

Supporting Students With Learning Differences in Independent Schools

Independent schools are uniquely positioned to support students with learning differences, thanks to small class sizes, close-knit communities, and flexible approaches to education. This webinar is designed for administrators, learning specialists, and support staff in independent schools who want to strengthen their ability to serve students with diverse learning needs.

Why It’s Time to Upgrade Your Financial Aid Process

Your financial aid process can either support your enrollment goals or stand in the way of them. Today’s families expect an intuitive and transparent application experience — and if your process feels outdated, confusing, or inconsistent, you risk losing qualified applicants.

Learn how to assess your current financial aid workflows, uncover hidden friction points, and move toward a more efficient, and family-friendly experience.

Active Assailant Insurance: Protecting Schools from Emerging Threats

In today’s evolving threat landscape, private-independent schools face the growing and deeply concerning risk of active assailant incidents. These events not only pose an immediate danger to students, faculty, and staff but also leave lasting emotional, financial, and operational impacts on the entire school community. Unfortunately, many schools remain unprepared for the full scope of these crises — from immediate response to long-term recovery.

Subscribe to Academic Leadership