Our Network

75

Current Heads & Associate Members

75

Independent Schools

26

States

40000

Students Served (preschool through 8th grade)

Exchange Experiences, Solve Problems, and Succeed Together

ESHA was established to promote a sense of identity among heads of independent elementary and middle schools, to encourage and support newly-appointed heads of such schools, and to provide opportunities for exchange of experiences, problems, and successes. In our next 50 years, we are committed to being the responsive and relevant resource for all of your educational leadership needs.

Leadership

By building a community of leaders for leaders, we are creating a support structure that encourages and reinforces leadership practices in the PK-9 space that are purposeful, comprehensive, authentic, innovative, and joyful.

Collegiality

By convening an authentic network of peers, we are providing value-driven opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Exchange

By providing opportunities for the sharing of experiences, challenges, and successes while spreading innovative learning and promoting best practices

Restoration

By granting ourselves permission to take time away from school for rest and rejuvenation, we are changing the narrative on a healthy work/life balance for our teams and our industry.

Learn More About Joining ESHA

    Power in Numbers

    75+

    Independent Elementary and Middle School Heads and Growing

    Liz Hofreuter

    Liz Hofreuter

    Wheeling Country Day School
    Neil Mufson

    Neil Mufson

    The Primary Day School, MD
    Brendan Largay

    Brendan Largay

    Belmont Day School, MA
    Ronnie Codrington-Cazeau

    Ronnie Codrington-Cazeau

    Laura Konigsberg

    Laura Konigsberg

    Turning Point School, CA
    Chuck Baldecchi

    Chuck Baldecchi

    Our History

    ​The Elementary School Heads Association (ESHA) was founded in March of 1973 by ten heads who met in Washington, D.C. during the annual conference of the National Association of Independent Schools. These founders agreed that there was a need for an association of school heads whose professional concerns were devoted to the education of younger students. The first annual meeting of ESHA was convened at the Henry Chauncey Conference Center in Princeton in October of 1973, where bylaws were formally adopted.​

    What Our Members Say