School Management & Leadership Accelerator

The BES School Management & Leadership Accelerator is a leadership development program designed to build a diverse and dynamic network of strategic and high-performing school leaders.

Through a comprehensive approach to school management and leadership, this eight-month program builds upon the foundations of our former LENS program. The BES Accelerator will help leaders develop sharp business acumen, strong emotional intelligence, and the confidence to drive lasting, transformative change. Participants will graduate equipped with the tools, mindset, and community needed to lead thriving schools with resilience, precision, and purpose.

This program will cover the following topics:

• Vision Setting
• Community Engagement
• Instructional Leadership
• Data Analysis
• Performance Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Operations & Budget Management
• Strategic Planning

The BES Accelerator is for school-based leaders who manage people or programs. This includes school leadership such as Principals, Assistant Principals, Deans of Students, Directors of Instruction, Directors of Operations, and more.

There are no restrictions on what schools can participate as programming is open to all K-12 school leaders irrespective of school type. 

Please reach out to BES Chief of Leadership Development Jabari Peddie at jpeddie@bes.org to learn more.

Experience: School leaders who are in the first five years of their leadership role

Responsibility: Currently managing one or more staff members, or responsible for leading a school-wide or district-level program such as implementing new curriculum, improving family and community engagement strategies, creating new school playbooks/handbooks, designing new programs, and more

Commitment: Approval from manager to participate and a personal commitment to meet the program’s expectations. Please see “How to Apply” section to learn more

• Lead with clarity and confidence as you execute a strong leadership vision.
• Establish inclusive school environments that foster engagement and collaboration.
• Implement data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes.
• Develop high-performing, motivated teams through effective coaching and accountability.
• Strengthen school operations for long-term success.
• Navigate challenges with adaptive leadership and strategic decision-making.

• Benefit from the over two decades of experience our organization has had with coaching and developing leaders across the country. 
• Become a part of a nationally-recognized BES community and cohort of leaders.
• Leverage the unique perspectives of BES alumni who have designed, founded, and led schools.
• Learn from and study the exemplary models of success schools across the nation that BES has access to.
• Excel in areas of resourcefulness, resilience, entrepreneurship, strategic thinking, school management, and organizational leadership.

The program will begin with orientation on September 2, 2025 and will run through May 19, 2026. View a calendar schedule here.

To successfully complete BES’ School Management and Leadership Accelerator, participants are expected to meet the requirements below. By meeting these expectations, participants will fully experience the benefits of the BES School Management and Leadership Accelerator. If any of these expectations may be a barrier for you, connect with us to discuss modifications and/or amendments. 

Attendance and Participation

• Out-of-Building Commitment: Participants will be out of the school building for approximately six (6) days to participate in both in-person and virtual training sessions.
• Coaching: Actively engage in 12 hours of coaching, with a minimum participation of 9 out of 12 hours. This is scheduled based on leaders’ availability.
• School Visits: Attend 2 out of 2 school visits to gain insights from observing leadership practices in action. 
• Training Hours: Participate in at least 15 out of 20 hours of training, contributing to discussions and learning activities.

Coursework and Assignments

• Asynchronous Assignments: Submit all 4 required assignments, demonstrating application of key concepts.
• Capstone Project: Complete a Capstone Project that applies program learning to a real-world leadership challenge within your school.
• Leadership Assessments: Complete a beginning, middle, and end of program leadership self-assessment, i.e. 360 survey, to gain insights on the participant’s leadership qualities, collaboration, influence within their team or organization, and to reflect on overall growth and development.

Community and Contribution

• Cohort Engagement: Be an active and supportive cohort member, contributing to a collaborative and constructive learning environment. 
• Professional Participation: Engage thoughtfully in discussions, provide peer feedback, and share insights to enhance the collective learning experience.
• Learning Community: Uphold a spirit of curiosity and reflection, fostering a space where all members feel valued and heard.

The priority deadline to receive a special discount is May 23, 2025. We have a limited number of seats at this priority rate of $9,450 per leader. A single school site may take advantage of up to two (2) seats at this discounted cost.

Starting May 24, 2025, the program rate is $10,500 per school leader. The final deadline to apply is August 15, 2025.

Did you know you can use professional development funds to cover a portion or all of the program cost? Be sure to speak with your manager and find out if this opportunity is available at your school or network.

School leaders may also cover the full cost of the program out-of-pocket if they wish to do so. However, manager approval is still required on the application form.

If you are a school leader applying to the School Management & Leadership Accelerator, click here.

• Manager approval is required to participate even if you choose to cover the full cost of the program out-of-pocket. Please provide their information in the application form.

If you are a manager and would like to secure a seat on behalf of a potential participant or participants, click here.

• Once you have confirmed the leader(s) who will participate in the Accelerator, they will need to complete their own form. If you already have selected participants, please have them fill out the school leader form above.

If you are a sponsor or partner who would like to send leaders to the program, click here.

The BES Accelerator is an ideal program for education champion organizations, charter associations, TFA chapters, or districts looking to support multiple leaders with highly customized professional development that meets their unique needs. Partner organizations benefit from a streamlined registration process and timeline to enroll their leaders in the program.

Contact partners@bes.org to learn more about sponsoring bulk seats for leaders in your region.

Interested in the BES School Management & Leadership Accelerator and want additional information or assistance on the application process?

Email BES Chief of Leadership Development Jabari Peddie at jpeddie@bes.org or schedule a 1:1 with him to learn more.