Different from most professional development programs, the School Leader Fellowship journey is as personalized as possible, encouraging individual leaders to gain and apply insights related to their unique situation. SLF aims to meet leaders where they are by offering distinct professional development options. SLF consists of 3 full-day Residency, 3 half-day Cohort, and 3 1:1 Coaching sessions.
Over the course of 9 months, Class IX will explore the 3 themes of Know + Lead Your School, Know + Lead Others, and Know + Lead Self to understand and apply leadership lessons through a multi-tiered experience.
Each theme begins with an extended learning experience. Materials focus on values-based leadership, culture alignment and decision making.
To further contextualize the material, fellows meet for discussion and reflection. Time is also dedicated to issue processing, allowing input from fresh perspectives.
One-on-one sessions with one of our SLF moderators take leaders deeper into the material. This learning segment offers equal measures of accountability and encouragement.
Orientation | Thursday, September 4, 2025 (9 – 10:30 AM EST)
Know + Lead Your School
Residency Day | Thursday, September 18, 2025
Cohort Day | Thursday, October 23, 2025
Executive 1:1 Coaching | November 2025
IEF Virtual Forum 1 (Optional) | TBA (9 – 10:30 AM EST)
Know + Lead Others
Residency Day | Thursday, November 13, 2025
Cohort Day | Thursday, January 22, 2026
Executive 1:1 Coaching | February / March 2026
IEF Virtual Forum 2 (Optional) | TBA (9 – 10:30 AM EST)
Know + Lead Self
Residency Day | Thursday, February 12, 2026
Cohort Day | Thursday, March 5, 2026
Executive 1:1 Coaching | April / May 2026
End of Fellowship Celebration | Thursday, April 16, 2026 (9 – noon EST)
Residency Days are in-person gatherings held at one of The Oaks Academy’s campuses in downtown Indianapolis between 9:00 am and 2:30 pm. Optional “Bonus Sessions” will take place between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm and will include the opportunity for classroom observations.
Cohort Days are in-person sessions held at The Oaks from 9 am to 12 pm.
Executive Coaching is scheduled individually with each participant and may be conducted virtually or in-person.
The optional IEF Fall and Spring Forums offer the opportunity for past and current fellows (from the School Leader Fellowship, Early Education Center Director Fellowship, and the Teacher Renewal Fellowship) to come together virtually for rich discussion around an important educational topic relevant to all.
Fifteen seats will be filled on a rolling acceptance basis.
The online application process includes uploading a one page letter of introduction prepared by a colleague. The letter, addressed to the SLF Leadership Team, should touch on the applicant’s commitment to education and professional development.
Qualifying leadership experience includes the following roles: CEO, Head of School, Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, Director of Admissions, and Director of Advancement. School founders have also found the experience to be helpful.
Once an application is completed, an online interview is conducted with the fellowship’s program manager, with a timely acceptance decision to follow.
The $1500 tuition includes all materials, assessments and executive coaching. SLF is eligible for Title II funding. Payment plans are considered upon request.
