Membership Benefits

ADVIS Leadership Pathways

Empowering Independent School Leaders at Every Stage

ADVIS Leadership Pathways is our comprehensive suite of professional growth opportunities designed to support the evolving needs of independent school leaders—from emerging talent to seasoned heads and trustees. With over 60 high-quality programs annually- many at no charge- we provide relevant, responsive learning experiences that reflect the complexities of today’s educational landscape.

Our Professional Learning suite includes virtual, face-to-face, and blended learning formats:

Signature Programs such as:

• • • Wellness Summit
    • Future Forward Conference

Approximately 20 total Roundtables for Peer-to-Peer Connection for:

• • • Associate/Assistant Heads of Schools
    • Division Leaders of Early Childhood, Lower, Middle and Upper School
    • Advancement professionals
    • DEIJB practitioners
    • Executive Assistant to Heads

Annual Retreats for Heads and Assistant Heads of School, Advancement Professionals, and Administrative Professionals

• • • Leadership Training through cohorts, institutes, and Coaching on Demand

Act 48 credits available for most programs.

Whether you’re a new leader stepping into your role or a more experienced professional seeking fresh insight and connection, ADVIS Leadership Pathways provides the comprehensive support, learning experiences, and community you need to lead with confidence and purpose.

Board Leadership & Governance Pathways

Strengthening Independent School Boards Through Strategic Learning and Expert Support

ADVIS’s Board Leadership & Governance Pathways equip trustees and board chairs with the essential tools, insights, and support needed to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact. Our robust offerings help independent school boards foster strong partnerships with heads of school and govern strategically in an evolving educational landscape.

With over 20 targeted programs annually, this pathway is designed to meet the needs of both new and experienced trustees, board chairs, and entire governance teams.

Our Governance Suite includes:

Signature Programs such as:

• • New Trustee Orientation
  • Annual Head of School & Board Chair Event
  • Online Governance Series (Live & On-Demand)
  • Legal Series tailored for independent school leadership

Expert Training & Coaching:

• • Customized board development and consultation led by the ADVIS President, a BoardSource-trained governance expert.

ISCA Membership Access:

• • Your ADVIS membership includes automatic enrollment in the Independent School Chairpersons Association (ISCA), giving your school’s board chair access to exclusive resources, programming, and a national network of peers.

Whether your board is navigating a leadership transition, refining its strategic direction, or welcoming new trustees, Board Leadership & Governance Pathways offers the trusted support

MCRC@ADVIS

Advancing Equity Through Education

Founded in 1990 and merged with ADVIS in 2015, the Multicultural Resource Center (MCRC@ADVIS) has been a leading force in promoting equity, justice, and belonging in independent schools. The merger expanded the reach and capacity of MCRC’s mission—bringing powerful, high-impact programming to a broader and more diverse network of schools across the region and beyond.

Through a wide array of professional learning experiences, MCRC@ADVIS empowers faculty, administrators, and students to engage meaningfully in the ongoing work of social justice and inclusive school culture. Whether you are just beginning your DEIJB journey or deepening institutional commitments, MCRC@ADVIS offers the tools, community, and expertise to move your work forward.

Our MCRC@ADVIS Suite includes:

Signature Events & Institutes, including:

• • The Cheryl Irving Cultural Competency Institute (CICCI)
    
  • Biennial DEIJB Conference
    
  • Special programming celebrating the 10th Anniversary of MCRC@ADVIS

DEIJB-Focused Roundtables for practitioners across roles and identity groups

Tailored Programming for faculty, administrators, and students

4–6 High-Impact Offerings Annually, each grounded in the values of equity, inclusion, and justice

A Platform for Continued Learning, collaboration, and community-building across schools

Whether your school is building foundational awareness or striving to lead boldly in justice-centered education, MCRC@ADVIS is your trusted partner in advancing meaningful, sustainable DEIJB work through community, learning, and shared purpose.

Partnership & Engagement Pathways 

Strengthening Schools Through Collaboration, Visibility, and Support

ADVIS member schools gain far more than access to programs—they join a powerful regional network committed to collaboration, innovation, and strategic growth. Through our Partnership & Engagement Pathways, members tap into a range of exclusive services designed to reduce costs, amplify visibility, foster peer connections, and receive personalized support.

From streamlined retirement plans to job promotion tools and benchmarking data, this collection of offerings reflects our belief that stronger schools are built through shared resources and meaningful partnerships.

What’s Included:

Multiple Employer Retirement Plan (MEP) - Simplify your school’s 403(b) plan with reduced fees and administrative time:

• • Shared administrative and fiduciary responsibilities
  • Lower costs through pooled resources
  • Increased efficiency and reduced staff burden
  • Less time consumed by school staff

Networking & Community - Connect with ADVIS peers and partners nationwide:

• • Collaborate at regional and national events through partner associations
  • Participate in member-only networking opportunities
  • Use the Confidential Common Recommendation Form to simplify application processes.
  • Display the ADVIS Proud Member Badge to highlight your school’s commitment to excellence

Visibility & Promotion - Boost your school’s reach through ADVIS platforms:

• • Complimentary Open House listings
  • Free Job Board for faculty and administrative positions
  • Featured School Profile on the ADVIS website

Data, Benchmarking & Resources - Make data-informed decisions with member-exclusive tools:

• • Personalized ADVIS Member Dashboard
  • Access to Flash Survey results and trends
  • Support for participation in NAIS DASL benchmarking
    

Concierge Membership Support - Enjoy responsive, high-touch service:

• • On-demand guidance from our Membership and Outreach Manager
  • Training and troubleshooting for ADVIS systems and services

Whether you're looking to strengthen your school's operations, elevate its visibility, or connect with peers who understand your mission, Partnership & Engagement Pathways delivers the tools, relationships, and dedicated support to help your school thrive in every dimension.

Join Us in Advancing Independent Education

Becoming a member of ADVIS means joining a forward-thinking alliance that values growth, equity, and excellence. Connect with peers, develop your team, and elevate your school’s mission.

Contact Candyce WIlson, Membership and Outreach Manager for additional information regarding ADVIS membership, qualifications, and fees.

Become a Member School Today!