Ensuring high academic achievement for every student
by attracting and preparing outstanding leaders and supporting the schools they lead, at scale.

Become a New Leader

Admissions Process

New Leaders for New Schools conducts a four-step admissions process. From the application and through interviews, information is gathered to determine whether or not an applicant meets our selection criteria. If you have any general questions, please feel free to contact the Recruitment and Admissions Team at info@nlns.org. If you have city-specific questions, please contact our local program sites. Please note: since email is our primary means of communication with applicants, be sure your account will accept email from admissions@nlns.org.

Please Note: The recent application cycle for Summer 2008 Cohort has ended. Application deadlines for our Summer 2009 Cohort will be posted in the upcoming month. Please check back.

STEP 1: Online Application
Candidates must complete the online application by the deadline below. The online application is divided into nine parts. Candidates must complete each part sequentially. For sections 1-8, you will be able to edit your application after you have submitted a particular section. However, once you click "Yes" to each of the three questions and click "Submit" in section 9, your complete application will be sent to New Leaders for New Schools, and you will no longer be able to make any changes to your application. We encourage candidates to download and review the Sample Application and Application Tips before starting the online application.

Within two business days of completing your application, you will receive an email confirming that your application is complete. If you have not heard from us within two business days, please contact us via email at admissions@nlns.org. Within three weeks of the relevant application deadline, you will receive email notification if you will be invited to a first round interview.

STEP 2: First Round Interview
The first round interview will be approximately one and a half hours. It serves as an opportunity for applicants to analyze a case scenario, share their experiences, and discuss their interest in becoming an urban public school principal.

If invited to a first round interview, we encourage applicants to order copies of their official transcripts (which will be required for Finalist Selection Day) as transcripts can take several weeks to arrive.

Applicants will be notified via email of whether they will be invited to a Finalist Selection Day within three weeks of completing the first round interview.

STEP 3: Finalist Selection Day
Finalist Selection Day is a "day in the life of a principal." This full-day of interviews may include a written assignment, one-on-one interviews, case studies, and role plays. Applicants who advance to Finalist Selection Day must bring:

Official transcripts in sealed, signed envelopes (no student copies) from all institutions of higher education attended
Teaching/supervisory certificate(s), if any
At least one formal letter of reference from a current or former supervisor**
A brief essay outlining your "Preferences for a Mentor Principal and School"**

**Forms for these supplemental materials will be provided after the first round interview.

STEP 4: Final Decision Notification
Applicants will be notified via U.S. postal service of admission decisions within three weeks of completing the Finalist Selection Day interview. Final decisions will not be made without the materials (transcripts, certificates, letter of reference, and essay) required for Finalist Selection Day.

New Leaders for New Schools is committed to a policy of non-discrimination against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Continue | Selection Criteria

Nominate a Great Candidate to be a New Leader
To nominate a New Leader candidate, click here to use the Nominate a New Leader form, or contact Shira Epstien at 646.792.1070 or email at sepstien@nlns.org.