National Association of Independent Schools

As we get energized about Thrive 2025, the NAIS Annual Conference, we are asking schools to share their stories about what makes their schools thrive. Here's what we heard from Harpeth Hall School: "Guided by Harpeth Hall's mission to "lead confidently," we recognized the confidence gap affecting young women today and took it on. Harpeth Hall’s confidence committee identified five inhibitors to confidence — perfectionism, comparison, fear of failure, sensitivity to criticism, and negative self-talk — and intentionally integrated tools into our program to help girls face and overcome what undermines their belief in themselves. Harpeth Hall encourages girls to take on challenges and be ambitious, knowing that they are in a nurturing and supportive environment where if they stumble, it will be okay. Our premier programs also empower students with real-world skills, inspiring them to lead with purpose and make a meaningful difference in their communities. This gives our girls a deeper understanding of how much they matter. Focus on confidence and leadership isn’t just part of the Harpeth Hall curriculum — it’s what sets our school apart and helps our girls truly thrive." #HarpethHall #LeadershipForGirls #ClosingTheConfidenceGap #Thrive25 #NAISThrive

Learn how a former Fountain Valley School student encouraged her school to reduce its carbon footprint by starting a weekly food rescue program. #FoodRescue #Educators

Have you been pondering the perfect gift for colleagues and trustees? Thoughtful and thought-provoking, the 2024-2025 Trendbook offers timely trends and key data points. Buy now to receive your order in time for holiday giving! https://bit.ly/3MJ0AA3 #education #trends #independentschools #teachers #data

“Education is fundamental for every child and it’s our duty to ensure that students with disabilities are not only included but empowered within our educational system."

What makes teachers and school administrators want to attend Thrive 2025, the NAIS annual conference? "It's a positive vibe... people are excited to be here." Take advantage of early bird savings when you register for Thrive 2025 today. Be a part of the energy in Nashville, February 26-28! https://bit.ly/4fTILLa

Is your school considering running a summer camp? In this month's Member Voices podcast, the director of admission and summer programs at Stanley British Primary School, shares tips for starting and sustaining impactful summer programs. https://bit.ly/40yXmHs #SummerCamp #IndependentSchools

"One effective approach is highlighting team members’ contributions during meetings. This practice can boost morale and strengthen the sense of community within the school." Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School

"Learning to listen to others, ask questions, value other opinions—and ultimately, disagree with ideas and not identities—is at the heart of the challenge schools face when it comes to civil discourse." #CivilDiscourse #Students #Educators

Read how an independent school harvests thousands of pounds of food a year to feed the Atlanta community, in Independent School magazine.

What makes your school thrive? Here's what we heard from Seattle Girls' School: "What makes Seattle Girls’ School thrive? We believe the answer lies in our Community Meetings. Held twice a week, these gatherings create a safe space for us to connect, build leadership, and amplify voices from all corners of our community. While our Community Meetings cover regular housekeeping items like announcements and upcoming events, they’re also a powerful opportunity to put one of our core values into action: inspiring and developing courageous leaders. From student-led presentations to guest speakers from our broader community—such as judges, local business owners, and even astronauts—these meetings are a time for us to come together, empower one another, and spark positive change in our school and the broader community." What make's your independent school thrive? As we get ready for Thrive 2025 in Nashville, we want to hear from you! Share an example of a unique school program with photos or a short video to [email protected]! #NAISThrive