National nonprofit BES (build. excel. sustain.) recently announced the launch of its School Management & Leadership Accelerator. The BES Accelerator is an eight-month, cohort-based leadership development program designed to build a diverse and dynamic network of strategic and high-performing school leaders.
From Sept. 2, 2025 to May 19, 2026, leaders in the inaugural 2025 Cohort will engage in a comprehensive experience featuring virtual and in-person training, tailored workshops, one-on-one coaching, school visits, and peer collaboration. The program is for K-12, school-based leaders who are in the first five years of their leadership positions, and are currently responsible for managing staff and/or school-wide initiatives.
Participants in the BES Accelerator will learn critical competencies including: vision setting, community engagement, instructional leadership, data analysis, performance management, organizational behavior, operations and budget management, strategic planning, and sustainable leadership.
"Early career support for school leaders who are in the first five years of a new leadership role has shown to improve retention and effectiveness. Furthermore, schools led by strong principals are 1.5 times more likely to retain effective teachers,” said BES Chief Executive Officer Aasimah Navlakhi. “The School Management & Leadership Accelerator is not just an investment in individual leaders– it’s an investment in the future of schools and communities across the country.”
The BES Accelerator is open to leaders across the United States from all K-12 school types. Participants include school leadership such as Principals, Assistant Principals, Deans of Students, Directors of Instruction, Directors of Operations, and more.
After graduating from the program, leaders will be able to effectively:
- 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.
Deadlines & How to Apply:
Leaders who submit their applications by the priority deadline on May 23, 2025, will be eligible to receive a special $1,050 discount off of the $10,500 program tuition. The final deadline to apply is Aug. 15, 2025.
For more information and to apply, please visit bes.org/programs/accelerator.
BES (build. excel. sustain.) is a national nonprofit organization that identifies and prepares excellent leaders to transform education in their communities. From school founders and executive directors, to operations leaders, deans of students, and directors of curriculum and instruction, we train leaders to build schools, to ensure their schools excel, and to sustain their results over time. BES has trained nearly 3,000 across the country for more than two decades. BES Fellows have also founded over 220 schools in 42 cities, across 22 states and Washington, D.C., impacting more than 73,000 students. Learn more at bes.org.