The NBOA Difference
NBOA members support excellence in education through thought leadership, diverse perspectives and world-class business operations.
NBOA is the only national nonprofit membership association focused exclusively on supporting independent school business officers and business operations staff while fostering financial and operational excellence among independent PK-12 schools.
The Association has grown from 23 founding schools in 1998 to 1,600 members from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and 23 other countries around the globe. Known today as NBOA: Business Leadership for Independent Schools, the association serves every role impacting school business.
The association offers member schools a full range of live events, online webinars, courses and workshops, publications, web resources and toolkits, original research and data analysis among other services to the independent school community.
Ongoing Professional Support
NBOA meets its members where they are at in their independent school business leadership journey.
Business Officer Institute
Offered annually in June, The NBOA Business Officer Institute (BOI) is a four-day immersive program designed for new and aspiring independent school business officers and other business professionals.
BOI provides foundational knowledge in key areas such as finance, human resources, risk management, facilities, governance, and school culture. Through a mix of general sessions, small cohort learning, and pre-Institute self-study materials, participants gain practical tools, strategic insights, and lasting peer connections.
Sessions are led by experienced independent school business officers and NBOA staff, offering real-world perspectives and guidance. BOI is a supportive, engaging environment where participants can deepen their understanding of school operations, explore emerging issues, and build the confidence needed to lead effectively in their roles and advance their professional growth.
NBOA Leadership Academy
For seasoned business officers, the NBOA Leadership Academy is an immersive program designed for a select cohort of experienced independent school business professionals to explore their potential beyond the day-to-day responsibilities of their role and transform as leaders.
Participants undertake a year-long journey of advanced learning through online and in-person experiences unlike any other professional development opportunity available to independent business leaders.
Throughout the year, the Leadership Academy cohort has access to some of the country’s top academics and experts in their fields as well independent school thought leaders. The program kicks off online in July and continues through the following spring, with learning sessions, peer-to-peer collaboration, and individual and group mentoring throughout the year.
