The NAES Biennial Conference 2026 will be held on November 18–20, 2026, in Los Angeles, California.
The National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) motto is “Excellence through Association,” and the Biennial Conference is the Association’s high-profile meeting of Episcopal education leaders and school friends from across America.
At the 2026 Conference, Dr. Lisa Miller will be the keynote speaker. Dr. Miller is a Professor of Psychology & Education at Columbia University’s Teachers College, a clinical psychologist, and author of the highly acclaimed books “The Spiritual Child” and “The Awakened Brain.”
Also present will be The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe, Episcopal Church Primate and Presiding Bishop. Rev. Rowe will lead the conference Eucharist. More about the Association in this video:
At the 2026 Biennial Conference, there will be over 60 sessions led by conference attendees, covering a wide variety of topics, such as Episcopal identity, governance, chapel & worship, equity & Justice, curriculum & teaching, and many more. Here, we highlight some sessions.
Pre-Conference Workshop
The pre-conference program offers an early childhood education workshop, where Dr. Sonia Yoshizawa will focus on teaching our youngest students. You are welcome to join colleagues from Episcopal schools to discuss best educational practices, share new ideas, and engage with peers and other stakeholders committed to supporting our youngest students and their communities.
Dr. Yoshizawa is Early Childhood School Assistant Director & Pedagogist at St Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, California. This pre-conference workshop will be held at St. James’ Episcopal School, 625 S St Andrews Place, Los Angeles, CA 90005.
Gardening Event (with Homeboy Industries)
On Wednesday, November 18, from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm, the Biennial Conference will join friends and colleagues and friends in an event focused on giving back to our local communities.
It includes gardening at Home of the Angels (operated by Homeboy Industries). Home of the Angels is a former monastery that is to be converted into an outpatient and residential recovery campus.
Participation is included in the Conference’s registration fee and lunch will not be provided, so eat before the event starts and bringing your own water and/or snacks. Home of the Angels, 130 Bruno Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Peer-led Workshops
At the 2006 Biennial National Association of Episcopal Schools Conference, there will be several peer-led workshops intended to provide you with very practical, mission-centered ideas and strategies directly applicable to school communities.
At these workshops, you can explore many topics, ranging from operational basics, such as school management and legal issues and trends, to the core ethics and values of Episcopal education, such as chaplaincy, spiritual formation, and justice work.
When you engage with colleagues to discuss and review real-world case studies, your actionable insights will improve and you will gain inspirational perspectives for strengthening your professional leadership and help safeguard your school’s identity.
NAES 60th Anniversary
NAES was established in 1965. So in 2025, the Association celebrated its 60th birthday! You are welcome to celebrate this year’s festive reception after the Eucharist.
The 2026 NAES Biennial Conference offers you the opportunity to network with colleagues and friends. The 2026 Conference is held from November 18 to November 20 in Los Angeles, California.