Independent School Management
Research-driven private school strategies, advice, and resources to advance school leadership and enrich the student experience.
About ISM
Since 1975, Independent School Management has partnered with private-independent schools through research, consulting, and practical tools built for your roles.
What began as Ideas & Perspectives has grown into comprehensive support for heads, boards, and program leaders—on management challenges from governance and advancement to scheduling, culture, and leadership development.
From ISM
Signature programs
Choose the sessions that match your role and leave with an action plan you can implement the week you return to campus.
View Summer Institute →
Admission, development, and marketing communications leaders learn together—then return with shared language, tools, and momentum.
View Advancement Academy →Virtual learning
June 10, 2026 · 3:00 p.m. ET
Michael Christopher, IAP-L
June 17, 2026 · 12:00 p.m. ET
Dr. Casey Bell
June 18, 2026 · 12:00 p.m. ET
Dr. Maggie Renken
January 7, 2026 · On demand
Dr. Casey Bell
ISM began with a simple vision — to enrich the student experience by empowering school leaders. Founders Rod and Anne Snelling launched Ideas & Perspectives in 1975; as challenges arose, ISM expanded with practical options to help leaders navigate obstacles.
Through decades of change, ISM has remained a steady partner—helping schools lead with clarity and confidence, with solutions tailored to K–12 private-independent schools.
