Built for academic leaders.
Led by academic leaders.

As an academic leader, you honor teacher independence, provide structures for teams to thrive, set the tone for school culture, drive curriculum excellence, and push for innovation and growth.

You do this complex work every day, with very little support. That’s why the ALF exists, a space where you have a community to lean on.

Through expert guidance, peer mentorship, and access to free professional learning, ALF is here to be your trusted network of independent school leaders.

Academic Leaders Academic Inspiration Academic Leaders

Highlights from our past ALF events

Academic Leaders Meetup: Boston
The New Jersey Curriculum Leadership Summit
Bay Area Independent Leaders Meetup
District Leaders Meetup: New York
Academic Leaders Meetup: Boston
The New Jersey Curriculum Leadership Summit
Bay Area Independent Leaders Meetup
District Leaders Meetup: New York

Ways to level up your practice with ALF

Discussion with experts

Learn from curriculum and leadership experts

Get access to free, virtual professional learning opportunities with thought leaders including Jay McTighe, Heidi Hayes Jacobs, Jim Knight, and many more.

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Networking event

Take part in exclusive meetups and events

Connect with fellow academic leaders at in-person meetups in inspiring venues like the Harvard Club of Boston. Exchange ideas, build relationships, and unwind.

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Online leadership session

Unlock leadership insights with online resources

Navigate everyday challenges or big-picture questions through ALF’s online forum, virtual networking sessions, and monthly leadership newsletter.

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The School
Leaders Meetups

We move forward when we do the work together.

The School Leaders Meetups are gatherings for school and district leaders shaping what’s next in teaching and learning.

These free, in-person PD opportunities offer a chance to step back from the day-to-day, learn with inspiring voices, and connect with others asking the same big questions.

Explore the meetups
The School Leaders Meetups US The School Leaders Meetups US

What members are saying

Dr. Allison Schultz Dr. Allison Schultz
“There is no better time than time spent in conversation with others in similar roles who are passionate about their work. The ALF allows me to connect with leaders of teaching and learning and to learn in ways that help me grow professionally and give me inspiration for my day-to-day work.”
Dr. Allison Schultz
Coordinator of Teaching and Learning, Episcopal Academy, Greater Philadelphia
Adam Hellebuyck Adam Hellebuyck
"ALF is a network of academic leaders whom I can lean upon when strategizing how to best advance teaching and learning at our school, as well as being equally supportive to others."
Adam Hellebuyck
Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning, University Liggett School, Michigan
Wendy Davidson Wendy Davidson
“Sharing experiences with others in ALF has been invaluable in providing me with insights into issues we all are expected to navigate. It’s nice to know others are experiencing similar concerns and it’s even better to learn how they manage those situations.”
Wendy Davidson
Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, Jacksonville, Fl
Lisa Wilson Carboni Lisa Wilson Carboni
“I've appreciated being part of ALF from the ground up. With both relevant programming and times for personal connection about professional dilemmas, I feel my sometimes lonely universe as a curriculum director expanding.”
Lisa Wilson Carboni
Ph.D., Director of Curriculum, Carolina Friends School, Durham, NC
International School of Prague Dalton School MADAC Schools Bombay International School
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Academic Leaders Forum

A place for academic leaders to think together.

Join 300+ academic leaders from leading independent schools across US and Canada. Curriculum Labs, exclusive in-person events, virtual PD, and more.

Academic Leaders Forum Academic Leaders Forum

Join the Academic Leaders Forum