ESHA provides:

• a network of independent elementary/middle school heads offering collegiality and support;
• an annual conference geared specifically for the needs of independent elementary/middle school leaders and their partners;
• an annual dinner with ESHA colleagues at a member school in conjunction with the NAIS conference;
• periodic member discussions on topics of interest by video conference;
• comparative statistics for member schools; 
• a member directory; 
• a member Ning to share questions, ideas and resources; 
• a bi-monthly e-newsletter; 
• regular recommendations, via Twitter, of resources of interest to heads of independent elementary/middle schools;
• a global travel program;
• an online course for faculty in independent elementary/middle schools; and
• advocacy for the independent elementary/middle school, including both increasing public awareness and keeping members informed of relevant public policy issues.

Membership in the Association is open to the head of any independent school holding membership in the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) that provides instruction to children at least as far as grade two and no further than grade nine. If a proposed member’s school is not a full member of NAIS, then the school must: (a) be accredited by a member of The International Alliance of Regional Accreditors, a member of the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), or an NAIS-approved agency; (b) have received an IRS 501(c)(3) tax exemption; (c) be governed by an independent board of trustees, and (d) have a published non-discrimination policy. Schools not accredited by a member of The International Alliance of Regional Accreditors, a member of NCPSA, or an NAIS-approved agency may appeal to the ESHA Executive Committee for consideration.

New members are welcome at any time of year. To join, print and complete the membership application form found at the link at the upper right and mail it to the ESHA office along with your membership fee.

Membership renewal is due May 15 for the coming July-to-June membership year. This prepayment system positions ESHA for annual conference registration during the summer months. Invoices for renewal are emailed to current members and their business officers in early April.
 

$  425 - Active Membership, current head, total enrollment 200 or less

$  725 - Active Membership, current head, total enrollment 201-350

$  850 - Active Membership, current head, total enrollment 351-500

$  975 - Active Membership, current head, total enrollment 501 or more

$1200 - Sustaining Membership, option to offer additional support

 

$  200 - Associate Membership, former elementary school head
No fee - Honorary Membership, retired elementary school head