Independent School Leadership Diploma Program

Important!: Completion of the Foundations for School Leadership program is mandatory for pursuing the CAIS Diploma in Independent School Leadership. While the Foundations program is essential for those aiming to complete the CAIS Diploma, participants are encouraged to take individual Leadership Institute Diploma Modules of interest. This allows for personalized professional development.



Program Overview


Supporting the learning and development of independent school leaders is a strategic priority for CAIS that supports school improvement and innovation. Recent CAIS research indicates a growing need for motivated, diverse, and expert leadership. The Leadership Praxis, a framework of knowledge and competencies needed to be a successful independent school leader, reflects the Indicators of Effective Practice highlighted in the CAIS Accreditation Standards. The Praxis has guided the structure of the Leadership Institute, ensuring that it is intentional, comprehensive and organized to meet the needs of aspiring leaders.

  • Modules typically have 10 hours of programming.
  • Informal network times are built into the synchronous schedule time.
  • Modules are open to faculty and staff from CAIS and non-CAIS schools. 
  • Participants who complete 10 modules in the CAIS Diploma Program will earn the CAIS Diploma in Independent School Leadership. Please note that completion of the CAIS Foundations for School Leadership Program: Designing a Practice is a required pre-requisite for new participants.
  • Typical capacity for modules is 20-25 participants and depends upon each module.
  • For further information see CAIS Leadership Institute FAQ’s or contact Rachael Brownell Swain at rbswain@cais.ca

 

Program GOALS


The overarching goals are to: 

  • Establish a foundation of leadership knowledge and skills across three areas of school leadership (Education Program, School Operations and Strategies and Structures) that takes into account the participants’ personal interests and professional experience.
  • Cultivate and integrate a pluralistic lens or mindset within the educational setting and beyond.
  • Develop a network of professional colleagues.
Fall 2026

Fall (LI) Modules - Virtual

Dates: November 17-19, 2026

Session Times (Eastern Time): 

  • Day 1: 12:00-3:30 PM ET
  • Day 2: 4:00-7:00 PM ET
    • Technology Leadership in Independent Schools will run from 3:00–6:00 PM ET on Day 2.
  • Day 3: 12:00-3:30 PM 

Modules offered:

  • Crisis Communications
  • Enrolment Management
  • Human Resources
  • Technology Leadership in Independent Schools: Current Approaches to Innovation and IT Strategy
Winter 2027

Winter (LI) Modules - Virtual

Dates: February 23-25, 2027

Session Times (Eastern Time): 

  • Day 1: 12:00-3:30 PM ET
  • Day 2: 4:00-7:00 PM ET
  • Day 3: 12:00-3:30 PM 

Modules offered:

  • Faculty and Staff Culture
  • Governance
  • Human Resources
  • Leading School Transformation through Accreditation
Spring 2027

Spring (LI) Modules - Virtual

Dates: May 5-7, 2027

Session Times (Eastern Time): 

  • Day 1: 12:00-3:30 PM ET
  • Day 2: 4:00-7:00 PM ET
  • Day 3: 12:00-3:30 PM 

Modules offered:

  • Building your Voice: Effective Communication for School Leaders
  • Education Program Foundations
  • Finance
  • Leading Pluralism: Strategy,Positionality and Action
  • Legal Considerations in Education

For further information see CAIS Leadership Institute FAQ’s or contact Rachael Brownell-Swain, Manager, Professional Learning Programs at rbswain@cais.ca.

 

REQUIREMENTS