Washington, DC – [Nov. 18, 2025] – The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) today announced it will host its 2025 Symposium on AI and the Future of Learning in Houston, TX, on Dec. 4-5, 2025. This important event will gather educators, students, and thought leaders to explore the ethical, practical, and pedagogical implications of artificial intelligence in independent schools. Designed to alleviate AI adoption challenges and encourage its thoughtful, inclusive, and ethical implementation, the symposium will challenge attendees to imagine and shape a new era of innovation in independent schools..
Through expert-led sessions, collaborative discussions, and practical demonstrations, the symposium will explore how AI can empower educators, strengthen school systems, and enhance student learning. The symposium will also spotlight how independent schools are integrating AI to equip students with essential 21st-century skills and prepare them for the AI-infused workplace of the future.
Debra P. Wilson, president of NAIS, says, “Independent schools are uniquely positioned to lead on the ethical and innovative adoption of AI. This symposium supports our schools in developing the forward-thinking expertise they need to meet this challenge. We are committed to fostering an environment where technology enhances learning, and where our school leaders, staff, and students are prepared not just to use AI, but to understand its societal implications and lead its responsible development.”
The symposium will run concurrently with a student program, “From Classrooms to Careers: How AI is Shaping Our Paths,” developed in partnership with Close Up Foundation and the Stanford University Deliberative Democracy Lab. This track invites students to critically examine the role of AI in their lives and future careers in a NextGen Roundtable, helping them develop the skills and confidence to lead meaningful conversations on campus and beyond.
Mia Charity, president of the Close Up Foundation, adds, “The future of learning requires engaging students directly in the complex decisions surrounding emerging technology. Through our NextGen Roundtable, we are reinforcing our mission to create informed and engaged citizens. Students will be actively participating in deliberation and consensus-building, ensuring their voices shape how AI is integrated into their education and future careers.”
Together, The 2025 Symposium on AI and the Future of Learning and the student-focused NextGen Roundtable will highlight innovation, amplify student voices, and demonstrate NAIS’s commitment to providing sector-wide insights and future trend expertise.
For more information, visit: https://www.nais.org/events/nais-symposium-on-ai-and-the-future-of-learning.
About 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 and resources. 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.
About Close Up
Close Up is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, civic education organization that informs, inspires, and empowers young people to become active citizens. Since 1971, Close up has partnered with school districts nationwide to serve more than one million students and educators through experiential learning programs in our nation’s capital and in local communities, professional development, and curriculum design and consulting. Our goal is to connect what students learn in class to the real world around them and help them articulate their own views, listen to those of others, and engage with people of different backgrounds with tolerance and understanding.
About The Stanford Deliberative Democracy Lab
The Deliberative Democracy Lab at Stanford University is devoted to research about democracy and public opinion obtained through Deliberative Polling®. The method of Deliberative Polling has been used in over 50 countries around the world through over 150 projects, at varying levels of government and society.
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