LEAP Program

Take the LEAP with AISAP

Are you an admission or enrollment professional looking to take your leadership skills to the next level? Look no further than Leadership for Enrollment and Admission Professionals (LEAP)—a yearlong, cohort-based program for those ready to develop the skills and organizational perspectives to help you grow as a leader within your school community or at your next institution. The LEAP program has been developed in close collaboration with a cross-institutional team of University and PK-12 education experts, will be delivered in full partnership with the Board and leadership team at the Association of Independent School Admission Professionals (AISAP), and is fully aligned with AISAP’s Leadership & Development Framework.
 

This program is designed specifically for admissions and enrollment professionals who are ready to enhance their leadership skills while tackling enduring and emergent challenges within the independent school community. While engaging in practically grounded learning sessions, you’ll develop as an individual and enhance your capacity to learn and lead as a team member. The combination of in-person and virtual learning sessions will help you forge solid working relationships, and your growth will bring immediate benefit to your school community and the broader field of independent school admission and enrollment management professionals.

For early decision, applications are due by April 1, 2026. Application will be available Spring 2026.

“LEAP is by far my favorite program that AISAP has offered. We spent a few days at Vanderbilt and heard from some amazing professors and had fun getting to know the other members in our cohort. Our monthly virtual calls always leave me inspired. If you are thinking about making a move in your career, this program is a great jump start. I’ve learned so much.”


- Katie Doherty, Director of Advancement, The Compass School of TX

Dr. Patrick Schuermann, Ed.D
Innovative Programming Strategic Coordinator; LEAP Program Director

Throughout the program, participants will develop a clearer understanding of their leadership attributes, and the leadership skills required to sustain their schools' success today and in the future. Dr. Patrick Schuermann will serve as our lead faculty member. He has assembled a talented array of University and K-12 leadership experts who will connect with program participants alongside LEAP mentors, the AISAP Board of Directors, and the AISAP staff.

Patrick's LinkedIn profile.

Leadership Exploration and Growth through Year-Round Mentoring

Throughout this year-long professional development experience, you will gain valuable insights into the latest trends and best practices in leadership and organizational development. You will connect with a community of like-minded professionals interested in elevating their practice and our profession, all while engaging with a set of industry experts serving as mentors.

We will engage as a cohort in a set of monthly, 2-hour virtual meetings, facilitated by renowned leadership experts, launching in a 3-day gathering this fall 2026 in Nashville (September 30 – October 2, 2026).

We will continue our monthly, 2-hour virtual meetings facilitated by leadership experts, leading into culminating sessions at the AISAP Institute in June 2027. You will also benefit from being a part of a small mentor group led by a highly skilled admission and enrollment industry expert.

Each cohort will explore the biggest challenges facing independent schools and identify innovations in leadership, program, culture and community, finance, management, governance, and operations to address them. Working in small groups and supported by a mentor, participants will identify a significant opportunity or challenge confronting independent schools and use evidence-based research to generate innovative ideas for our profession to consider. Each group’s big idea will be captured in an executive report, and each group will have a chance to present their findings at next summer’s Annual Institute—thus helping to educate further and elevate our field.

Together, all the LEAP program elements and the close-knit community that will develop are sure to provide admission and enrollment professionals with impactful leadership development opportunities.

2026-27 Program Pricing

Members: $2,000     Nonmembers:  $2,795

Fee includes:

  • Monthly professional development through senior-level learning sessions led by Vanderbilt University faculty members, AISAP leaders and partners, and industry experts between August 2026 and May 2027
  • In-person experience with three days in Nashville (September 30 – October 2, 2026) that includes meals and activities
  • A dedicated learning session at the 2027 AISAP Annual Institute in June 2027
  • Small group and one-on-one mentoring
  • Online access to a private AISAP LEAP community
    • Fees do not include travel and hotel expenses to and from Nashville, the June 2027 AISAP Annual Institute, or the Annual Institute registration fees
    • There is a reduced rate at the hotel in Nashville and is made available before the event

LEAP Class of 2025-26

LEAP Faculty

LEAP Class of 2024-25

LEAP Class of 2023-24

Apply Now!

For early decision, applications are due by April 1, 2026. Applicants who apply by the early decision date and are accepted into the program will receive a reduced registration for the 2026 Annual Institute. To apply for this program, we invite you to submit your application by using this link: LEAP APPLICATION

For more information, please contact Sarah Berry, Director of Member Engagement and Practitioner Advancement at sarah@aisap.org or (203) 421–7051.