Become a Member
Join the only national organization of independent pre-K-8 leaders–created by heads, for heads! With ESHA, you don’t have to walk alone on your leadership journey.
Calling all Elementary and Middle School Leaders
ESHA is the place for you if you’re the head of an independent elementary or middle school. We’ve provided a collaborative and collegial space for pre-K-8 leaders for over 50 years, and we’re committed to improving our offerings and doubling our impact by 2025! Let’s keep working together to create valuable partnerships and change the educational landscape.
ESHA Membership Includes
- Access to a national network of independent elementary/middle school heads
- Resources and templates specific to the pre-K-8 space
- Opportunities for collegial collaboration and responsive support
- Real, just-in-time training for situations facing pre-K-8 leadership
- Organic mentoring conversations when real scenarios arise
- Monthly newsletter with resources, ideas, and stories of success
- Inspiring Heads Leadership Program
- Annual retreat designed specifically for the needs of independent pre-K-8 heads
Eligibility
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
(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 may appeal to the ESHA Executive Committee for consideration if an exemption of the above is necessary.
Membership Calendar
New members are welcome at any time of year. To join sign-up online and submit payment.
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 April.
ESHA Retreat
Focus
ESHA holds a retreat each fall, planned by and for heads of independent elementary and middle schools. We understand the risks and challenges you face, so we secure speakers to help us think creatively as we elevate our leadership. There are opportunities for exchange of ideas and socializing with colleagues to build your own support network to carry you through the difficult decisions we all face day to day. For heads and newly appointed heads relaxation and restoration are essential elements as well.
Calendar
The 2023 ESHA Retreat will be in Washington DC, at the Mayflower Hotel, from October 27-29. To celebrate our 50th we are returning to the inaugural site where ESHA was established in 1973. The retreat officially kicks off Friday morning and culminates in a Gala celebration Saturday night recognizing the heads who have trail blazed our incredible network.
Participants
The retreat experience is the one ESHA activity limited to members and their spouses/partners, thereby offering time focused entirely on those roles in school leadership.
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
We need more members and more good people coming together to celebrate the amazing work Pre-K-8 educators are doing each and every day. We transform lives on a daily basis, and not many organizations can claim that type of impact.
ESHA is a community of leaders who support one another in their work. Being a Head of School for Pre-K-8 independent education can be overwhelming and isolating. ESHA, and especially the members who comprise the organization, has been a lifeline for me more than once and I am beyond grateful to be a part of this organization.
The role of an elementary school Head is broad and more wide-ranging than a high school Head. Elementary school Heads need a different kind of support and atmosphere for camaraderie than high school Heads… I’m encouraged that ESHA is looking forward and trying to support members, as well as the elementary school industry for independent education.
When I found ESHA, I found something that I had never found anywhere else. I found a group where I knew when I showed up, we would share many of the same challenges, we would have some of the same experiences, and we would be able to support one another with the work that we're doing.
I came to rely on this group as a place to find others that were wrestling with some of the uniquely specific things to elementary schools.
I've valued the sense of belonging that ESHA offers. For me, ESHA is a group of colleagues across the country who are my most trusted advisors and thinking partners because our work is completely aligned - in elementary schools - with specific needs and joys related to this age group of students and parents.
I really love ESHA because it is a place where I can connect with other people who love the hug of a kindergartener or enjoy counseling families through the turbulent waters of parenthood.
I appreciate that it's a national organization as opposed to connecting with peer schools in my area, which has a lot of value.
We have entered a time where the value proposition of K-8 has never been more important. I love everything you’ve done… As one professional to another, there’s many things vying for my time, but the way you’re thinking now is really important… I think you all are onto something!
Independent Education Leaders from Across the United States
75+
Members and Leaders
Liz Hofreuter
Wheeling Country Day School, WV
Neil Mufson
The Primary Day School, MD
Brendan Largay
Belmont Day School, MA
Ronnie Codrington-Cazeau
Past President
Arvind Grover
The Meadowbrook School of Weston, MA
Chuck Baldecchi
Past PresidentLearn How ESHA Will Double Our Impact by 2025
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