Independent School Leadership (M.Ed.)

Unlock your potential as an innovator and leader. Explore and master the skills needed to effectively lead an independent school community.

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Program Overview

Vanderbilt's Peabody College offers a blended (online and in-person) Master's of Education in Independent School Leadership. This M.Ed. program is specifically designed for working professionals who bring at least two years of relevant independent school work experience. The ISL graduate degree program will strengthen the invaluable skills you've already developed and give you the tools to propel yourself to new leadership opportunities and to even greater impact.

Our 15 month, part-time program consists of a diverse cohort of independent school professionals like you-leaders who are advancing in their careers and who bring important perspectives grounded in real-world challenges. Our program is a blended learning model conducted online throughout the school year and in-person through two 8-day, on-campus summer sessions, where you'll meet your cohort in person, work with world-class Vanderbilt faculty, and build community on our beautiful Nashville campus. Our online learning experience combines self-directed asynchronous curricula with weekly synchronous sessions at which cohort members build community and actively engage in discourse related to relevant theory and practice within independent school systems. 

This blended Master's of Education in Independent School Leadership offers a distinctive Peabody experience-including deep engagement and interaction with Vanderbilt's faculty and independent school scholar practitioners, as well as a lifelong professional network-within an intentionally designed curriculum and robust opportunities for mentorship and action research design. The program is career-embedded so you can immediately apply what you are learning, in real time, to the work you are doing on the ground in your independent school.

  • #2

    Best Educational Administration Program, U.S. News & World Report 2025

Prospective Student Resources

We compiled a webinar, a slideshow and testimonials from program graduates for prospective students who are looking for more information about the Independent School Leadership M.Ed. These resources provide specific information about admissions, course sequences, curriculum, and more.

ISL-class

"Each moment in class and in person has provided me with invaluable learning experiences that immediately apply to my work in teaching and leadership. I have grown personally and professionally as thoughtful professors guide my peers and me through carefully curated content. What a gift to be part of a community of individuals who leave the ISL Program with the capacity, commitment, and knowledge to enact positive change in the education of today's youth."

Carole Patterson, M.Ed., Independent School Leadership, '24, SEL Coordinator & Science Educator, Valley School of Ligonier, PA

Program Facts

Program Director: Carrie Grimes
Admissions Coordinator: Kashiri Favors
Admission Term: *Summer
Credit Hours: 30

*This program begins in May during Peabody's summer term

Application Deadlines

  • Priority Decision 1

    January 3*

  • Priority Decision 2

    February 3

  • Rolling Decision

    After February 3

*For more information on application dates and requirements, and the benefits of Priority Decision, see the How to Apply page.

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Program Curriculum

Our prescribed curriculum is designed to meet your professional needs. It is anchored in both foundational knowledge and core competencies of independent school leadership. You will also complete an action research project to advance your leadership and scholarship.  Thirty credits are required to graduate with Vanderbilt's M.Ed. degree in Independent School Leadership.

Curriculum Themes and Commitments

  • Themes

    The ISL Curriculum is Centered around ten themes:

    • Leadership and Learning Independent Schools
    • Institutional Advancement in Independent Schools
    • Systematic Inquiry for School Leaders
    • Innovations in Learning
    • Organizational and Human Capital Development for Independent Schools
    • Independent School Finance, History and Governance
    • Admissions and Financial Aid for Independent Schools
    • Leadership and the Learning Spectrum
    • Social Emotional Learning and Well-being
    • Historic and Legal Dimension of Independent Schools

    Students will engage with all themes through a series of online three-credit courses, in-person modules on campus, and a site-based action research project. To help you manage, lead, and implement change in independent school systems, the ISL curriculum explores the core leadership competencies that you'll need to elevate your skills, knowledge, and expertise, wherever you are in your career. Throughout your coursework, you will strengthen your ability to:

    • Lead change and think strategically
    • Foster productive organizational conditions for all stakeholders
    • Navigate the intersection of theory and practice
    • Communicate effectively across school domains

    On-campus experiences: Students will convene for two on-campus sessions each summer, at which you will be immersed in the Peabody community and connect with your cohort, faculty, and advisers. Summer sessions integrate four credit hours and eight days of coursework.

    In-person convenings: In the fall and spring semester, students will convene for a weekend in Nashville for their action research coursework.

    The ISL Program Time Commitment

    Courses combine synchronous meetings and asynchronous work and assignments. Live or synchronous aspects of required courses will occur on weekdays for 90 minutes (Monday-Friday) between 6 and 9 p.m. ET, or on Saturday mornings. On average, this degree requires 12 to 14 hours of work per week, though the weekly commitment will vary by term, courses taken, and students' own work styles. Students can expect to spend approximately three hours per week in synchronous online class sessions with faculty members and classmates. The remaining hours will be spent working independently on asynchronous course materials, in self-scheduled small-group work with other students, or working on assignments and action research projects.

    Weekly Time Commitment

    To complete the blended M.Ed. in Independent School Leadership, students must complete 30 total credit hours of coursework over the fifteen-month program. Although the weekly time commitment varies by term, course, and student work style, the table below provides a snapshot of the estimated weekly time commitment students may experience during the fall and spring semesters, when they will typically take 7 credits, the equivalent of two courses and action research requirements.

    SYNCHRONOUS COURSEWORK:

    Includes live, scheduled sessions with faculty and cohort members.

    		3 HOURS

    ASYNCHRONOUS COURSEWORK:

    Self-paced asynchronous lessons, discussion posts, and other course-related work.

    		3 HOURS

    ASSIGNMENTS:

    Readings, projects, papers, action research, etc.

    		6-8 HOURS

    TOTAL WEEKLY ESTIMATED HOURS DURING FALL AND SPRING SEMESTER

    Hours reflect estimates, and vary by term, course, and student work style.

    		12-14 HOURS
  • Commitments

    On-campus experiences: Students will convene for two on-campus sessions each summer, at which you will be immersed in the Peabody community and connect with your cohort, faculty, and advisers. Summer sessions integrate four credit hours and eight days of coursework.

    In-person convenings: In the fall and spring semester, students will convene for a weekend in Nashville for their action research coursework.

    The ISL Program Time Commitment

    Courses combine synchronous meetings and asynchronous work and assignments. Live or synchronous aspects of required courses will occur on weekdays for 90 minutes (Monday-Friday) between 6 and 9 p.m. ET, or on Saturday mornings. On average, this degree requires 12 to 14 hours of work per week, though the weekly commitment will vary by term, courses taken, and students' own work styles. Students can expect to spend approximately three hours per week in synchronous online class sessions with faculty members and classmates. The remaining hours will be spent working independently on asynchronous course materials, in self-scheduled small-group work with other students, or working on assignments and action research projects.

    Weekly Time Commitment

    To complete the blended M.Ed. in Independent School Leadership, students must complete 30 total credit hours of coursework over the fifteen-month program. Although the weekly time commitment varies by term, course, and student work style, the table below provides a snapshot of the estimated weekly time commitment students may experience during the fall and spring semesters, when they will typically take 7 credits, the equivalent of two courses and action research requirements.

    SYNCHRONOUS COURSEWORK:

    Includes live, scheduled sessions with faculty and cohort members.

    		3 HOURS

    ASYNCHRONOUS COURSEWORK:

    Self-paced asynchronous lessons, discussion posts, and other course-related work.

    		3 HOURS

    ASSIGNMENTS:

    Readings, projects, papers, action research, etc.

    		6-8 HOURS

    TOTAL WEEKLY ESTIMATED HOURS DURING FALL AND SPRING SEMESTER

    Hours reflect estimates, and vary by term, course, and student work style.

    		12-14 HOURS
ISL-Class-2

"ISL has given me frameworks to understand my community more thoroughly, vocabulary to articulate my thoughts and understandings more completely, and an incredible opportunity in the form of a community of committed, thoughtful leaders. The fact that our cohort is so varied, lends needed depth to our learnings. I have become a better leader, colleague, and person through ISL, and I know the learning will be with me forever."

Kevin Austin, M.Ed., Independent School Leadership, '24, Assistant Director of Extended and Summer Programs at Polytechnic School

ISL Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long is the program and what is the format?

    Our 15-month, part-time program consists of a diverse cohort of independent school professionals--leaders who are advancing in their careers and who bring important perspectives grounded in real-world challenges. Our program is a blended learning model conducted online throughout the school year and in-person through two 8-day, on-campus summer sessions, where you'll meet your cohort in person, work with world-class Vanderbilt faculty, and build community on our beautiful Nashville campus. Our online learning experience combines self-directed asynchronous curricula with weekly synchronous sessions where cohort members build community and actively engage in discourse related to relevant theory and practice within independent school systems.  Our curriculum is designed to meet your professional needs and is anchored in both foundational knowledge and core competencies of independent school leadership. 

     

    The course schedule is: 

    Summer 1

    • Independent School Leadership and Learning
    • Diversity and Intercultural Competency in Independent Schools
    • Ambitious Teaching and Learning

    Fall

    • Systematic Inquiry for School Leaders
    • Institutional Advancement in Independent Schools
    • Site-Based Action Research for School Leaders

    Spring

    • Innovations in Leading and Learning
    • Organizational and Human Resources Management in Independent Schools
    • Site-Based Action Research for School Leaders

    Summer 2

    • Climate and Culture in Independent Schools
    • Site-Based Action Research for School Leaders
    • Fiscal and Legal Dimensions of Independent Schools

    Independent School Governance

  • What background or experiences do I need to apply?

    ISL students come to us with a variety of experiences in independent schools that include teaching, administration, athletics, enrollment management, development, and more. In order to be considered for the ISL program, applicants must have completed a minimum of two years as a working professional within an independent school. ISL is designed for busy independent school practitioners who seek to build their competencies as leaders within the independent school sector. We welcome early career, mid-career and seasoned independent school professionals into each cohort. The diversity and range of experiences in our cohorts contribute to dynamic peer-to-peer learning and the cultivation of a powerful professional network. ISL cohorts average 18-25 in size.

  • Will I advance in my independent school career after I graduate?

    Because of our college’s reputation, high quality students, and outstanding program, ISL graduates find great success in career advancement. Fifty percent of students from the last three cohorts were promoted during the program, or within 6 months of graduation. Additionally, throughout your time at Vanderbilt, you will receive support from our Career Services center through interview relays, faculty coaching, career day, and resume building. 

  • What careers will this degree prepare me for?

    Some of our students are teachers and choose to stay in the classroom, but most of our students go on to careers as independent school administrators, department chairs, division heads, members of the executive administration, assistant heads of school, and heads of school.

  • What kind of student thrives in the ISL program?

    We welcome applicants who are committed to a career in independent school who possess diverse backgrounds, experiences, and post-graduation goals. The students who thrive in our program are curious, committed to their long-term goals as independent school professionals, and eager to grow as educators and leaders. We review each application with an open mind, looking for individuals who are ready to engage deeply and make an impact in the field of education. In addition, students who crave a powerful cohort learning community  and want to contribute to that experience find great value in the ISL program.

  • How will my time be spent throughout the ISL program?

    On-campus experiences: Students will convene for two on-campus sessions each summer, at which you will be immersed in the Peabody community and connect with your cohort, faculty, and advisers. Summer sessions integrate four credit hours and eight days of coursework.

    In-person convenings: In the fall and spring semester, students will convene for a weekend in Nashville for their action research coursework.

    Online learning: Courses combine synchronous meetings and asynchronous work and assignments. Live or synchronous aspects of required courses will occur on weekdays for 90 minutes (Monday-Friday) between 6 and 9 p.m. ET. On average, this degree requires 12 to 14 hours of work per week, though the weekly commitment will vary by term, courses taken, and students' own work styles. Students can expect to spend approximately three hours per week in synchronous online class sessions with faculty members and classmates. The remaining hours will be spent working independently on asynchronous course materials, in self-scheduled small-group work with other students or working on assignments and action research projects. 

  • Do you have any social media accounts to learn more from?

    We try to post on LinkedIn fairly frequently. Be sure to follow us to see current happenings.

     

     

     

     

  • How do I apply?

    You can start your application now through our application portal. Our admissions page can give you more information about our community at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development and . When you apply for admittance to the program, you’ll automatically be considered for a merit-based scholarship to support your studies.

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