ISACS Leadership Academy

ISACS x Northwestern Kellogg UniversityLeadership Academy
Future-Ready Leadership: Teams, AI & Trust

June 22–24, 2026 in Chicago

 Questions?Visit our FAQs or contact programinfo@isacs.org.

The Program

As an independent school leader, you're navigating unprecedented complexity—from AI integration to multigenerational teams to moments that test your resolve. Join the 2026 Leadership Academy's intimate cohort of just 45 leaders for three incredible days designed to sharpen the exact skills you need right now. Alongside fellow heads and senior leaders, you'll learn from expert faculty at the Northwestern University Kellogg School Center for Nonprofit Management as you master the art of building effective teams, leading human-AI collaboration, leveraging generational strengths, and showing up with executive presence when the stakes are highest. Whether you're leading through transformation or ready to take your impact to the next level, these brand-new sessions will give you the clarity, tools, and inspiration to lead with confidence.

This program is for Leaders of Independent Schools
We encourage schools to send teams if possible.

$2,000 / person

Registration will open in Spring 2026.

Registration includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and Monday evening dinner.

Through the Claudia M. Daggett Memorial Grant, generously funded by the Skilling and Andrews Foundation, ISACS has already subsidized the registration fee for all participants. No additional discounts are available.

The Leadership Academy is a 3-day in-person program.

Kellogg School Center for Nonprofit Management at Northwestern University
Wieboldt Hall, 339 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL

Certificate of Completion

The Northwestern University Kellogg School Center for Nonprofit Management will provide a certificate of completion to each participant who completes the Academy in its entirety.

Schedule

Details & Sessions to be announced.

Day 1: The Art of Teams

The Science of Collaboration
Designing and Launching Effective Teams

Day 2: Leadership for Today

Leading Human-AI Teams for More Effective Outcomes
Leveraging Generational Differences at Schools

Day 3: How to Show Up When It's Hard to Lead

Executive Presence
Leading with Trust, Courage, and Real Connection

Faculty

To be announced.

Courtyard by Marriott Magnificent Mile
165 East Ontario, Chicago, IL

Courtyard Marriott Downtown Exterior
Courtyard Marriott Downtown Bedroom
Courtyard Marriott Downtown View
Courtyard Marriott Downtown Desk
Courtyard Marriott Downtown Starbucks
Courtyard Marriott Downtown Restaurant
Courtyard Marriott Downtown Pool
Courtyard Marriott Downtown Fitness Center

ISACS has secured a discounted room rate at the Courtyard by Marriott Magnificent Mile, less than two blocks from Northwestern University's downtown campus. 

Reserve Room: $252/night*

Rate includes: King Bed, Access to Fitness Center, Free WiFi**

* plus tax for the nights of June 21-24, 2026
** with free Marriott Bonvoy account

Walking Directions to Wieboldt Hall

 Rate Availability

Rate is for the nights of June 21, 22, 23 & 24. This rate is available until Midnight CT on Monday, June 1, 2026 or block reaches capacity.

If availability allows, the hotel will honor extended reservations three days before and three days after the Academy.

 Other Room Types

If you would like to extend your dates or request a room with two beds, contact programinfo@isacs.org for assistance.

School Credit Cards
If your school plans to pay directly for your hotel with the school credit card, please contact karen@isacs.org several weeks before you arrival so your school representative can complete the hotel’s credit card authorization form to have charges billed to directly to the school’s credit card. 
 Cancellation Policy

Hotel cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to arrival to avoid one night room and tax charge.

 Parking

Complimentary daily and overnight parking from Kellogg

Kellogg will email registrants with additional details on complimentary daily and overnight parking at nearby garages as the Academy approaches. Please note, if parking overnight at these garages, you will have to exit and re-enter the garage daily and receive validation each day at no expense to you.  

Parking options at Courtyard by Marriott:

On-Site Parking: $70/day
Valet: $70/day

There is no valet option at the hotel. Parking fees listed above are subject to change.

 Hotel Scam Alert

ISACS does not reach out to attendees or sponsors directly to book hotel rooms. If you receive calls or emails from third-party companies, we recommend you do not provide these solicitors with any personal information including, but not limited to, making new or changing existing reservations and do not provide your credit card. If you have any doubt about the information that you are receiving regarding any ISACS room blocks, please contact programinfo@isacs.org.

Reviews from Past Attendees

The Leadership Academy was an extremely engaging learning experience. The presenters and participants gifted me with diverse, rich, and meaningful insights into the efforts, mindsets, and skill sets required of effective independent school leaders.

I left with a toolbox full of resources and renewed excitement. 

Chris English
Head of School, Roycemore School (IL)

I wanted to share how much I enjoyed the PD you organized this summer with Northwestern. It was the best professional development I’ve done in a long time, such a great group of attendees and such valuable content. Thank you for putting that together; I would absolutely do it again.

Geriann Blevins
Director of Enrollment Management, The Lexington School (KY)

As a school leader and an aspiring head of school, the Leadership Academy has been the single most beneficial professional development experience. The knowledge I’ve gained has made me more confident in my ability to lead with my strengths, and it has provided ample resources to help me improve the areas in which I have less experience. I’m thrilled that it will be offered again this year.

Rob Butler
Head of School, Forsyth School (MO)

Registration

Registration will open in Spring 2026.

Registration Fee:

$2,000 / person

Registration includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and Monday evening dinner.

Through the Claudia M. Daggett Memorial Grant, generously funded by the Skilling and Andrews Foundation, ISACS has already subsidized the registration fee for all participants. No additional discounts are available.

ISACS may remove a registrant from an event if they do not follow the ISACS Policies & Disclaimers for Professional Learning Events.