Keeping the Drumbeat:

How Senior Leaders Turn Academic Priorities into Results

NOVEMBER 6 - 8, 2026 | LONE ROCK RETREAT, BAILEY, COLORADO

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By November, the school year is in full swing. It’s an important moment to step away from the day-to-day, take a clear look at how your academic priorities are taking hold, and make thoughtful adjustments that can strengthen results for the rest of the year.

Keeping the Drumbeat: How Senior Leaders Turn Academic Priorities into Results is a two-day Intensive for senior leaders responsible for academic outcomes across their school systems. In a small group of peers, participants will use real data from their own organizations to assess progress against a key academic priority, identify what is driving results, and determine where changes may be needed. Through hands-on work, discussion, and planning, leaders will leave with a clear plan for strengthening implementation and keeping their academic priorities moving forward throughout the year.

WHO THIS INTENSIVE IS DESIGNED FOR

  • Senior leaders who oversee academics across a school system — titles vary, but typically Chief Academic Officer, Chief Schools Officer, Executive Director, Head of Schools, or CEO

  • People who set the academic goals for their organization and are accountable for whether student results improve

  • We cap attendance at 12 to 15 people so everyone gets time on their own situation

  • A clear, honest read on how their school year is actually going, backed by evidence rather than impression

  • A realistic routine for checking on academic progress throughout the year — one that fits a senior leader's schedule instead of adding to it

  • A specific plan for fixing what isn't working, including what they'll say, who they'll say it to, and in what order

  • A written plan they can bring back and share with their own leadership team

WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH

THE EXPERIENCE

NOVEMBER 6 - 8, 2026

FRIDAY EVENING

Set the stage for the weekend with an opening session and candid conversation with a guest school system leader.

SATURDAY (9am - 4pm)

Dig into real data, explore what’s working and what isn’t, and shape solutions alongside a small group of peers.

SUNDAY (9am - 11:30am)

Turn your insights into a clear, practical plan for what comes next and how to bring your team along.

ONE CONTINUOUS EXPERIENCE —>
The sessions build on each other, creating one connected experience rather than a series of separate workshops.

WHAT WE’LL WORK ON

  • How do you know whether your academic goals are on track — and how solid is the evidence behind that answer?

  • Overall averages can look fine while specific groups of students are falling behind. How do you spot that?

  • When results drop, how do you figure out the actual cause instead of guessing?

  • How do you know whether your principals and instructional leaders can accurately identify what a teacher needs to improve?

  • Somewhere in every system, something is working unusually well. How do you find it and spread it to other schools?

  • How do you get your team to genuinely own a mid-year change in direction, rather than just going along with it?

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • There is preparation involved. Attendees bring real data from their own school system on one academic priority, and complete a short survey beforehand so we can shape the weekend around who's in the room.

  • This is hands-on work on their own numbers, alongside peers. It's not a lecture-style event.

YOUR INVESTMENT

Your $5,995 all-inclusive investment covers:

  • Two full days of training & facilitation with experienced CEOs and former charter leaders

  • All transportation, lodging, and meals during the Intensive — including a welcome dinner, social events, daily breakfasts, lunches, and snacks.

  • Workshop materials & resources you can take back to your organization

  • Networking & relationship-building with other senior CMO leaders who understand your challenges

  • Full access to the retreat center’s amenities—including gym, yoga studio, sauna, hiking trails, stargazing, and more—for a true opportunity to reset.

    The only cost not included is your flight to/from Denver International Airport.

Seats are intentionally limited to keep this experience intimate and high-impact. Once we reach capacity, registration will close and interested participants will move to a wait list.

Ready to join us?

Spend a focused weekend turning your academic priorities into a clear plan for action. Complete the interest form below and check ‘Intensives’,

Register