NAIS Announces Thrive 2026 Annual Conference in Seattle, February 25–27

Washington, DC – [February 11, 2026] – The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) today announced new programming details for Thrive 2026, its flagship annual conference for independent school leaders, to be held Feb. 25–27 in Seattle, Washington. The event will convene thousands of school leaders, administrators, educators, and trustees for three days of bold ideas, hands-on professional learning, and meaningful connection designed to help schools lead with confidence and lasting impact.

In an era marked by rapid technological change, increasing complexity, and rising educator burnout, Thrive 2026 offers a roadmap for moving beyond survival toward sustainable growth. The conference features a dynamic agenda of keynote speakers, master classes, deep-dive workshops, signature experiences, and collaborative networking spaces that blend inspiration with immediately actionable strategies.

“Independent school leaders are navigating unprecedented challenges… but also extraordinary opportunities,” said Debra P. Wilson, President of NAIS. “Thrive 2026 is designed to help leaders step back, think boldly, and gain practical tools to shape the future of their schools with clarity and purpose. This conference isn’t just about responding to change, it’s about leading it, together.”

• Actionable Innovation for a Changing Landscape
  Thrive 2026 will focus on futurist thinking and practical strategies to address AI, enrollment, financial sustainability, workforce shifts, and changing demographics—grounded in NAIS insights.
• Strategic Wellness and Sustainable Leadership
  Sessions featuring experts such as Cassie Holmes will address leadership burnout and “time poverty,” offering research-based tools to support well-being and organizational resilience.
• Community, Connection, and Sector Leadership
  Thrive brings together leaders from more than 2,000 NAIS member schools worldwide, serving as a vital hub for collaboration and shared learning across the independent school sector.

Previewing Sector-Shaping Initiatives
Thrive 2026 will preview several emerging, sector-shaping initiatives, including the Student Outcomes Project, a new grant-funded effort supported by The Edward E. Ford Foundation. The initiative aims to better understand and communicate the impact of independent schools on students’ post-graduate outcomes, strengthening the case for access, affordability, and investment across the sector. NAIS will share the goals of this important new project onsite. Learn more at https://www.nais.org/studentoutcomes.

Attendees will also receive an introduction to the Leadership Alignment Project, a new multi-year effort designed to strengthen strategic alignment between boards, heads, and leadership teams at independent schools and build overall school resilience. Learn more at https://www.nais.org/leadershipalignment.

Learn More and Register
To learn more about the Thrive 2026 Annual Conference, visit: https://www.nais.org/events/annual-conference

About the National Association of Independent Schools

The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) is the leading voice for independent schools, serving as their advocate and trusted source for data, insight, and guidance. NAIS empowers school and board leaders to deliver exceptional, mission-driven learning experiences by providing unmatched research and trend analysis, leadership and governance support, professional development opportunities, and forward-thinking expertise. Committed to fostering inclusive school communities and promoting the unique value of independent education, NAIS helps schools navigate challenges, expand and strengthen educational opportunity, and innovate boldly—so they can unlock the extraordinary potential in every student and deepen their impact on families, communities, and society as a whole.

Media Contact

Lydia Quinn

lydia.quinn@finnpartners.com

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