Independent School Financial Boot Camp for Academic Leaders

Back by popular demand, this in-person program helps non-financial school administrators understand their schools’ financial foundations, speak the language of finance, ask informed questions, identify useful resources, and participate confidently in financial conversations and decision-making.

Overview

Strong financial literacy is essential across independent school leadership, not only in the business office. Designed for senior administrators without a financial background, including heads of school, division directors, and deans, this joint program from NBOA and the Association for Academic Leaders provides a practical understanding of the independent school business model. Over two intensive days, participants move from foundational concepts to strategic application as they build the knowledge and vocabulary needed to understand their institutions’ financial foundations. Interactive sessions, case study analysis, and moderated panel discussions with seasoned business officers and heads of school reinforce and extend that learning.

Participants will:

• Learn core components of the independent school business model, including key revenue streams, expense drivers and the critical role of philanthropy.
• Gain practical experience calculating and interpreting net tuition revenue and tuition discount rates, understanding the annual budget cycle, and exploring how academic initiatives affect financial outcomes.
• Build stronger partnerships with the business office and identify strategic levers that support financial health while advancing the school’s mission.
• Develop the confidence to participate meaningfully in strategic financial conversations, ask insightful questions of business officers, and make mission-aligned decisions that support the school’s long-term sustainability.

Who Attends?

The program is designed for senior school administrators, including heads of school; assistant and associate heads; division directors; deans of studies, faculty, or curriculum; directors of enrollment; and directors of advancement.

Facilitators