FAQs

Thank you to a group of dedicated school leaders for helping Pollyanna on this journey.

John Botti
Head of School, The Browning School, NY

Mia Burton
Asst Head of School, Flint Hill, VA

Orpheus Crutchfield
Founder, Strategenius

Marsha Elliott
Director of E & I, St. Stephen’s Episcopal, TX

Lee Fertig
Head of School, The Nueva School, CA

Angela Garcia
Head of School, Near North Montessori, IL

Celeste Herrera
Head of School, Calhoun School, NY

Lisa Johnson
Founder, Private School Village

Janine Jones
Asst Head of School, Harvard-Westlake, CA

Emily Kasof
President/CEO, Academy of the Holy Cross, MD

Tara Christie Kinsey
Head of School, Charlotte Country Day School, NC

Ann Kono
Co-Founder, TeachAAPI

Michael Maloy
Head of School, Thaden School, AR

Chai Reddy
Head of HS, University School of Nashville, TN

David Smith
Chief Advancement Officer, Miami Country Day, FL

Alexis Wright
Head of School, New City School, MO

Jennifer Zaccara
Head of School, Hewitt School, NY

Amy Ziebarth
Head of School, Far Brook School, NJ

On-site registration is not available given our unique attendee POD structure and the need to have a representative group of constituents from each school.

There will not be a virtual attendance option for those who cannot join in person. The benefits of this conference come from conversations that will take place in person during POD discussions, constituent groupings, and learning sessions, as well as general networking during our time in Charlotte.

We will share the names of the schools attending but not the names of individual participants.

Visit the Travel page. We’re excited to share that a limited number of hotel room blocks will be available for conference attendees at a discounted rate. 

Yes, lunch and refreshments will be provided. We accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-sensitive options.

Yes, the venue is fully wheelchair accessible, including entrances, seating, restrooms, and elevators.

The dress code is casual. We encourage attendees to dress comfortably, whether that’s jeans or business casual. Consider bringing layers, as the venue’s temperature may vary.

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi will be available for attendees. Network details will be provided at the venue.

A POD is a representative group from your school community that participates in the conference together. PODs may include administrators, faculty, students, parents, trustees, alumni, community engagers, and heads of school.

The POD model brings different perspectives into the same conversation, helping schools build stronger understanding, deeper dialogue, and practical ideas they can bring back to their communities.

Because PODs meet throughout the conference — and often continue conversations afterward — they help schools sustain momentum, strengthen relationships, and carry learning into action beyond the conference.

This tried-and-tested attendee makeup which includes a representative group of constituents called a POD, has proved to be very successful. The POD model allows for all constituent voices to be heard.

We recommend reaching out to specific constituent groups—administrators, alumni, community engagers, faculty, heads of school, parents, students, and trustees. Providing an open opportunity ensures participation from those interested. Additionally, consider personally inviting community members who are leaders or have expressed a desire to make an impact in strengthening your school.

Ideally, we’d like you to send the recommended composition for a 15-member (Large POD which is two members from each constituency and one head of school) or 8-member (Small POD which is one member from each constituency), in order to gain the most benefit for your school.

We would like to receive the names of your POD members by March 15, 2027, to ensure you have a POD locked in and we can begin to reach out and send them materials to prepare them for the conference. We will send you a form.

Some sessions will include all members of a POD, while others will be divided by constituent groups or open to all attendees.

We accept major credit cards, bank transfers and checks. If you need an alternative payment method, please contact us in advance.

Cancellations: All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to info@pollyanna-us.org. Please include the school’s name and contact person’s email address.

Refunds: Cancellations made more than 120 days in advance will receive a full refund, between 120 and 90 days receive a 50% refund, and less than 90 days before the conference start date are not eligible for a refund.

Force Majeure: If the conference is canceled or postponed due to circumstances beyond our control (e.g., natural disasters or public health emergencies), registration fees will be applied to a future event.