Built for academic leaders.
Led by academic leaders.

As an academic leader, you honor teacher independence, provide structures for teams to thrive, set the tone for school culture, drive curriculum excellence, and push for innovation and growth.

You do this complex work every day, with very little support. That’s why the ALF exists, a space where you have a community to lean on.

Through expert guidance, peer mentorship, and access to free professional learning, ALF is here to be your trusted network of independent school leaders.

Academic Leaders Academic Inspiration Academic Leaders

Ways to level up your practice with ALF

Discussion with experts

Learn from curriculum and leadership experts

Get access to free, virtual professional learning opportunities with thought leaders including Jay McTighe, Heidi Hayes Jacobs, Jim Knight, and many more.

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Networking event

Take part in exclusive meetups and events

Connect with fellow academic leaders at in-person meetups in inspiring venues like the Harvard Club of Boston. Exchange ideas, build relationships, and unwind.

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Online leadership session

Unlock leadership insights with online resources

Navigate everyday challenges or big-picture questions through ALF’s online forum, virtual networking sessions, and monthly leadership newsletter.

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Our upcoming and past events

Leading a Culture of Change

Leading a Culture of Change

with Dr. Denise Pope

Roadmap for rethinking school practices and mindsets for building a sustainable culture.

Learn more
Academic Leaders Meetup: Boston

Academic Leaders Meetup: Boston

with Jay McTighe and Trevor MacKenzie

Lead for curriculum excellence and network with your fellow academic leaders.

Learn more
The Art of Instructional Coaching

The Art of Instructional Coaching

with Jim Knight

Instructional Coaching is not just a tool—it’s the cornerstone of meaningful growth.

Learn more
Creating and Evaluating our Curriculum

Creating and Evaluating our Curriculum

with Heidi Hayes Jacobs

In this session you’ll explore what stays, what goes, and what could be reimagined in your curriculum.

Learn more

What members are saying

Dr. Allison Schultz Dr. Allison Schultz
“There is no better time than time spent in conversation with others in similar roles who are passionate about their work. The ALF allows me to connect with leaders of teaching and learning and to learn in ways that help me grow professionally and give me inspiration for my day-to-day work.”
Dr. Allison Schultz
Coordinator of Teaching and Learning, Episcopal Academy, Greater Philadelphia
Adam Hellebuyck Adam Hellebuyck
"ALF is a network of academic leaders whom I can lean upon when strategizing how to best advance teaching and learning at our school, as well as being equally supportive to others."
Adam Hellebuyck
Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning, University Liggett School, Michigan
Wendy Davidson Wendy Davidson
“Sharing experiences with others in ALF has been invaluable in providing me with insights into issues we all are expected to navigate. It’s nice to know others are experiencing similar concerns and it’s even better to learn how they manage those situations.”
Wendy Davidson
Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Martin J. Gottlieb Day School, Jacksonville, Fl
Lisa Wilson Carboni Lisa Wilson Carboni
“I've appreciated being part of ALF from the ground up. With both relevant programming and times for personal connection about professional dilemmas, I feel my sometimes lonely universe as a curriculum director expanding.”
Lisa Wilson Carboni
Ph.D., Director of Curriculum, Carolina Friends School, Durham, NC
International School of Prague Dalton School MADAC Schools Bombay International School
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