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Fueling the Mission: From Vision to Strategy

The Society for Classical Learning 2026 Symposia

Two Gatherings. One Mission. 

The Society for Classical Learning’s 2026 Symposia bring together heads of school, boards, and educational leaders from across the nation to unite visionary leadership with actionable strategy. Through two premier gatherings: one on the East Coast and one on the West Coast, participants will explore how to align governance, leadership, and operations with the enduring mission of classical Christian education.

This year’s theme, Fueling the Mission: From Vision to Strategy, focuses on practical leadership, sustainable planning, and the flourishing of classical Christian schools for the future.

This year’s Symposium is intentionally designed for leadership teams. Heads of school are encouraged to attend alongside board members and key administrators to maximize the value of this experience. Through plenary sessions, collaborative workshops, and team-focused work sessions, you’ll have intentional space to process insights together, clarify next steps, and begin crafting strategies to implement back home. Each element of the Symposium is built to help your team translate vision into action—aligning every part of your school’s mission for long-term vitality, unity, and growth.

 

East Coast Symposium

Join us in Atlanta as we explore the vision, strategy, and stewardship that fuel thriving classical Christian schools. Each morning begins with worship and reflection, and – NEW THIS YEAR – Thursday evening features a special reception hosted by our partners at The Focus Group.

📍 Heritage Preparatory Academy, Atlanta, GA
 🗓 February 19–20, 2026
 🏨 Kimpton Shane Atlanta — Book Your Stay
 💰 Early Bird Registration (through February 6, 2026)

  • Member: $369
  • Non-Member: $419

After February 6, pricing goes up to $419 (members) / $479 (non-members)

Theme Summary
 A two-day exploration of mission-driven strategy, featuring sessions led by:

  • Chris Perrin – Vision for a Thriving Classical Christian School
  • Erik Twist – Strategic Planning 
  • Matt Skinner – Strategic Stewardship: The Foundation
  • Jeremy Beer – Fueling and Funding Your Vision
  • Angie Copetillo – Advancement

West Coast Symposium

📍 George Fox University, Newburg, OR
🗓 March 20 – 21, 2026
🏨 Recommended hotels:
The Dundee
The Hampton Inn Sherwood Portland

💰 Early Bird Registration (through March 6, 2026)
Member: $369
Non-Member: $419

After March 6, pricing goes up to $419 (members) / $479 (non-members)

Theme Summary
 A two-day exploration of mission-driven strategy, featuring sessions led by:

  • Jean Kim – Vision for a Thriving Classical Christian School
  • Erik Twist – Strategic Planning 
  • AmPhil – Fueling and Funding Your Vision
  • Jeff Yoder – Advancement

Pre-Symposium Experience: School Settings: General: Accessibility (March 19, 2026)

How should we think about accessibility in our schools? What are the barriers to participation, both intentional and accidental? Join us for an in-depth exploration of accessibility under several headings including financial, geographic, demographic, and academic, with a focus on school culture, capacity, and admissions policies/practices. The Pre-Symposium sessions will be followed by a 6pm dinner together at headmaster Travis Koch’s home.

What Symposia Attendees Are Saying

“The quality of speakers and participants was top-notch. The symposium sessions were highly relevant, and networking opportunities helped me tremendously. I left feeling refreshed and invigorated.”

– Libby Farmen, Head of School, Wonderview Classical School, Lincoln, NE

“As a Head of School, attending the winter symposium with my board president was a big encouragement. As he largely operates outside of the classical, Christian world, it was really helpful for us to be immersed in a weekend of conversations and sessions that reinforced the distinctiveness of our school’s classical mission. This was an extremely encouraging and practically helpful weekend. Very helpful for a small school moving towards the classical model. Loved it!”

Past Attendee

“This was an extremely encouraging and practically helpful weekend. Very helpful for a small school moving towards the classical model. Loved it!”

Past Attendee

“The SCL Winter Symposium is an invaluable experience for anyone in school leadership. Our team was buoyed by supportive people and fruitful discussions, and we cannot wait to attend future symposia. I cannot recommend this event highly enough to anyone who is considering attending!”

2023 Winter Symposium Attendee

Thank you to our hosts!

As a member, you receive access to all of the most recent summer conference content, including 80+ workshops, plenary speakers, etc., plus access to the full library of past content.

Conference Sessions

Ensure increased visibility for your school by having it listed on the Find a School Map, connecting you with potential students and families seeking a classical Christian learning environment.

Map Feature

Unlock a wealth of exclusive resources, such as research studies and articles, providing valuable insights and knowledge for your school's continuous improvement.

Resources

Enable your school to easily post job openings and attract qualified candidates with the Career Center, simplifying the hiring process.

Career Center

Enjoy exclusive discounts on all SCL events and services, empowering you to access valuable resources and opportunities for your school's growth at a more affordable cost.

Exclusive Discounts

Get access to exclusive cohorts and workshops!

Cohorts and Workshops

SCL conducts school-wide surveys to provide relevant information to the classical Christian community as well as access to in-depth research with partner organizations like the Barna Group.

Research

A connected community of classical Christian thought leaders, including heads of school, board members, marketing and admissions directors, development and fundraising directors, academic deans, grammar and upper school heads, and teachers from all grade levels are here to support and encourage one another.

Community

Member-exclusive Coaching Call sessions. 15-20 online sessions each year from key-thought leaders on topics ranging from legal and operational issues to pedagogical and philosophical discussions. Think of it as a mini-conference each month!

Coaching Calls

Gain new insight, knowledge, and skills around best practices in a short, intensive format with workshops or a year-long mentorship experience with cohorts. Designed for administrators, teachers, parents, leaders, and department heads – anyone seeking to learn and grow in their role.

Conference & Workshops

Our network of seasoned professionals is available to navigate your questions and brainstorm solutions with you. Let us know how you want to direct your time and we will pair you with the senior leader that best suits your school’s unique needs.

Consulting