Academies

For leaders who seek to grow in their professional knowledge, skills and connections.

Fast Track Your Career

ACSA Academies are intensive, multi-weekend programs providing in-depth knowledge and practical skills. Academies are offered in different leadership specializations to meet your needs as a school administrator, confidential employee or classified manager.

Because ACSA represents all members of the district management team, we can help you build the administrative and leadership skills needed in your current job, while preparing you to take advantage of career advancement opportunities.

ACSA’s job-specific academies provide a solid foundation of training in the application of leadership and management fundamentals for administrators who are new or aspiring to advanced leadership positions.

Academies are the fast track to taking your career to the next level.

Academy Catalog
FAQ About Academies
Academy Scholarships
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Key Dates for 2026-27

General Registration Open: May 20, 2026
Scholarship Application Deadline: July 13, 2026

Learning That Meets Your Needs

Academies are now offered in hybrid and virtual cohorts providing flexible options for administrators at every level.

Reach Your Goals

Academies can help you reach your professional development goals and gain valuable skills, insights and connections.

Why Academies?

Academies offer sustained, job-embedded professional learning that is supported by extensive materials and resources, and extended professional networking.

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Not an ACSA member yet? Double your savings by joining!

Learn how you can join and save today

Join ACSA today as part of the 2026-27 Academies registration process and save on both registration and membership. Use the promo code ACAD26 to become a Regular ACSA member for just $2 a day for the 2026-27 school year.* 

ACSA membership must be active at the time of academy registration and for the duration of the 2026-27 academy year (ending June 30, 2027) to benefit from participation at the promotional ACSA member rate. Your signature authorizing monthly payroll deduction of 2026-27 member dues must be provided on the membership application form. Once your membership is active, complete your registration below for an academy at the member rate with a payment method of either credit card or purchase order. (Sorry, no payroll deduction for registration.) 

*Offer limited to individuals who have not been ACSA members during the preceding 12 months. 

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There’s still time to register!

You can still register for the following ACSA Academies, but time is running out.

special education

Special Education

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Calculator Finance Budget

School Business

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Preschool teacher

Pupil Services

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Academy Catalog

ACSA-AASA Aspiring Superintendents Academy® for Women Leaders
Curriculum & Instruction Leaders Academy
Early Education Leaders Academy
Equity-Centered Leaders Academy
Personnel Administrators Academy
Principals Academy
Pupil Services Academy
School Business Academy
Special Education Academy
Superintendents Academy
Download PDF Catalog

A partnership of ACSA and AASA

ACSA-AASA Aspiring Superintendents Academy® for Women Leaders

ASAWL LOGO

A Distinctive Experience: What Makes This Academy Different

The ACSA-AASA Aspiring Superintendents Academy® for Women Leaders is intentionally designed to complement other ACSA Academies, offering a deeper, more immersive leadership experience for women at a critical point in their leadership journey.

Unlike traditional academies that focus primarily on role-based leadership fundamentals, this academy supports women who are exploring, preparing for, or discerning readiness for the superintendency. It is designed and led exclusively by current and retired women superintendents, creating an environment grounded in lived experience, credibility, and trust.

What distinguishes this academy is its intentional emphasis on sustained access to women superintendents, immersive in-person learning, national network expansion, and embedded mentorship and coaching—elements that are thoughtfully reflected in both the design and investment of the program.

This academy is designed to prepare women to pursue the superintendency and to ensure they are ready to lead, sustain, and thrive.

Academy Information & Application

Intended Audience

This academy is designed for women educational leaders who:

  • Are considering or actively pursuing the superintendency
  • Are exploring whether the superintendent role aligns with their leadership goals, values, and life priorities
  • Seek thoughtful preparation, mentorship, and sponsorship from experienced women superintendents
  • Value learning in community with other accomplished women leaders
  • Are committed to equity-driven leadership and system-level impact


Participants may include district leaders from California and across the western United States who are looking for a regionally grounded, nationally connected leadership development experience.


The  ACSA-AASA Aspiring Superintendents Academy® for Women Leaders is a cohort-based leadership development experience designed to support, prepare, and elevate women leaders who are considering, exploring, or actively pursuing the superintendency.


Based in California and developed in partnership with ACSA and AASA, this academy serves women leaders across California and the western region of the United States, offering a West Coast pathway aligned with AASA’s national leadership development efforts.


Building on the success of AASA’s nationally recognized Aspiring Women Leaders academy, this program responds to the unique professional, political, and personal realities women face as they contemplate and prepare for district-level leadership. The academy is grounded in the belief that women lead best when they are deeply supported, well-prepared, and connected to a powerful professional network — and when leadership is centered in equity, access, and opportunity for all students and communities.

Program Purpose

  • Develop confidence, clarity, and readiness for the superintendent role.
  • Support women who are exploring whether the superintendency is the right next step for their leadership journey.
  • Provide authentic, experience-based learning grounded in real superintendent leadership.
  • Strengthen equity-driven leadership practices that advance inclusive, just, and student-centered systems.
  • Create a trusted network of women leaders who learn from and support one another.
  • Strengthen the pipeline of women superintendents across California and the western United States.

Meeting Formats

Participants attend six one- or two-day sessions either virtually or in person. See the session dates and locations below for complete details.

Registration

Interested candidates must submit an application prior to being approved for registration.

ACSA Members — $4,600
Non-Members — $4,900

Register with Credit Card or Purchase Order
  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card, or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.

Cohorts

ACSA-AASA Aspiring Superintendents Academy® for Women Leaders

Hybrid format (in person and virtual)
Multiple locations
Directors: Candace Singh & Zandra Jo Galván
  • Session 1: Sept. 18-19, 2026 | Sacramento, CA
  • Session 2: Oct. 8, 2026 | Virtual
  • Session 3: Nov. 3, 2026 | Chula Vista, CA
  • Session 4: Feb. 23-24, 2027 | Atlanta, GA
  • Session 5: March 11, 2027 | Virtual
  • Session 6: April 16-17, 2027 | Sacramento, CA

Meet the Directors

Candace Singh.

Candace Singh

Zandra Jo Galvan.

Zandra Jo Galván

The application window is now closed.

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Apply to join this uniquely immersive experience.

Apply Now

Curriculum & Instructional Leaders Academy

The ACSA Curriculum and Instructional Leaders Academy introduces participants to a variety of strategies for developing effective instructional practices based on current student learning and assessment theories.

Presentations and discussion sessions are conducted by an experienced faculty of current practitioners. This academy enables new or aspiring curriculum and instructional leaders to experience and begin to develop fundamental skills needed to address standard-based reforms including assessment, curriculum, and monitoring and evaluation of instructional programs for their schools and districts within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).

Academy sessions are particularly useful for educators managing changes that lead to the successful implementation of standards, assessment and accountability. The extensive course syllabus and materials each participant receives are exceptional resources for ongoing reference.

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

C & I Leaders Academy Information & Registration

Intended Audience

Superintendents; Assistant Superintendents of Instruction; Project Directors; Curriculum Directors; Intervention Specialists; site administrators; district and county office administrators, including those aspiring to central office curriculum and instructional leadership; School Board Members

Themes Include

  • Quality instruction for all.
  • Meeting diverse student needs.
  • Leading system change and transition.
  • State and federal mandates and accountability.
  • Personalizing learning in standards-based systems.
  • Instructional materials selection (traditional, online, electronic, open-source).
  • Meeting student needs with coordinated funding (Local Control and Accountability Plan – LCAP).
  • Implementation of the California State Standards for ELA, ELD, Math, History-Social Science, and Next Generation Science.
  • Student assessments: formative and summative (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium – SBAC).
  • Literacy in core content areas.

Meeting Formats

Participants experience 80 hours of professional learning over eight extended Academy weekends in a virtual/online meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.

The academy meets on Fridays, 5:00-8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.*

*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Registration

ACSA Members — $1,500
Non-Members — $3,000

Enrollment is limited to the first 30 registrants.
Register with Credit Card or Purchase Order
  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card, or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.

Cohorts

C & I Leaders — Costa Mesa

Virtual/online Format
Director: Darlene Messinger
  • September 18-19, 2026
  • October 16-17, 2026
  • November 13-14, 2026
  • December 11-12, 2026
  • January 8-9, 2027
  • February 5-6, 2027
  • March 5-6, 2027
  • April 2-3, 2027

C & I Leaders — Torrance

Virtual/online Format
Director: Scott McDowell
  • September 25-26, 2026
  • October 16-17, 2026
  • November 20-21, 2026
  • December 11-12, 2026
  • January 22-23, 2027
  • February 26-27, 2027
  • March 19-20, 2027
  • April 23-24, 2027

Registration will open June 1.

Sign Up for Updates

Register for the C & I Leaders Academy.

Register Now

Early Education Leaders Academy

The Early Childhood Education Academy is a cohort-based professional learning experience designed to build leadership capacity in administrators serving young learners and their families.

Through a structured sequence of sessions, participants engage in job-embedded learning that integrates research, policy, and practice to support high-quality early learning systems.

Grounded in the California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (CPSELs), the academy develops participants’ ability to lead equitable, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate programs. Emphasis is placed on aligning instructional practices, systems of support, and family engagement to improve outcomes for all students, particularly those from historically underserved populations.

Participants will engage in collaborative learning, case study analysis, and application of tools and frameworks that can be directly implemented within their local context. The academy also provides opportunities for reflection, networking, and mentorship to strengthen leadership identity and readiness for expanded roles.

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

Early Education Leaders Academy Information & Registration

Intended Audience

District and site administrators, including superintendents; assistant superintendents; county office administrators; preschool and early learning coordinators; special education and student services leaders; expanded learning leaders; teacher leaders; and those aspiring to early childhood or elementary leadership roles.

Themes Include

Leadership for Early Learning Systems

  • Developing and sustaining a shared vision for high-quality early childhood programs.
  • Aligning preschool through elementary systems for coherence and continuity.
  • Leading inclusive practices across general and special education settings.

Equity, Access, and Student Outcomes

  • Implementing equitable practices to address opportunity and achievement gaps.
  • Using data to monitor access, participation, and outcomes for diverse learners.
  • Supporting multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and underserved populations.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

  • Ensuring developmentally appropriate, standards-aligned instruction.
  • Integrating play-based learning with academic rigor.
  • Using formative assessment to guide instruction and intervention.

Family and Community Engagement

  • Building authentic partnerships with families as first educators.
  • Designing systems for meaningful engagement and two-way communication.
  • Leveraging community resources to support whole-child development.

Systems, Compliance, and Program Design

  • Navigating state and federal requirements (e.g., CSPP, IDEA, licensing).
  • Designing sustainable program structures aligned with funding and enrollment.
  • Monitoring program effectiveness through continuous improvement cycles.

Leadership Skills and Professional Practice

  • Applying adult learning theory to support staff development.
  • Facilitating collaboration across departments and stakeholder groups.
  • Strengthening communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Meeting Formats

Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven weekends in a virtual/online meeting format for 10 hours per Academy weekend.

The academy meets Friday evenings, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.*

*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Registration

ACSA Members — $1,350
Non-Members — $2,700

Enrollment is limited to the first 30 registrants.
Register with Credit Card or Purchase Order
  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card, or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.

Cohorts

Early Education Leaders — Statewide

Virtual/online format
Directors: Kelly Fountain & Tandy Taylor
  • September 25-26, 2026
  • October 23-24, 2026
  • November 13-14, 2026
  • December 11-12, 2026
  • January 22-23, 2027
  • February 26-27, 2027
  • March 12-13, 2027

Registration will open June 1.

Sign Up for Updates

Register for the Early Education Leaders Academy.

Register Now

Equity-Centered Leadership Academy

The ACSA Equity-Centered Leadership Academy is designed to build and strengthen leadership capacity and understanding toward the development and advancement of systemic strategies to drive equitable outcomes for the school community. The academy centers on developing a strong understanding of policies, practices, lived experiences, and instructional approaches that have been proven to eliminate opportunity gaps and support underserved student populations.

Through a dynamic and engaging learning experience, participants build their leadership capacity toward the design, development, and implementation of effective, equitable strategies and action steps to sustain transformative and thriving educational communities. Participants will engage in guided processes to evaluate existing educational programs and resources, ensuring they are effectively aligned to meet the needs of diverse learners. Grounded in intentional and strategic support, the academy prepares participants to be leaders who serve each and every person in the educational community. Participants will learn how to build and embed continuous improvement processes in their own local context to support planning and implementation of school/district/county office educational priorities. The academy is designed for educational  leaders aspiring to expand their expertise and impact by engaging in a collaborative space that deepens your resolve, strengthens your leadership practice, and advances equitable outcomes for each member of your educational community. 

The academy sessions integrate practical strategies and real-world applications through intentional and actionable tools and strategies that leaders can immediately bring back to their schools, districts, boards, or county offices. Whether you are leading reform efforts or desiring to move beyond conversation toward eliminating barriers to educational attainment for each and every learner, especially those from vulnerable  student groups such as: English Learners, socioeconomically disadvantaged youth, youth in foster care, unhoused youth, students with disabilities, and students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds—the equity-centered leadership academy is where you belong.

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

Equity-Centered Leadership Academy Information & Registration

Intended Audience

District and site administrators including Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Equity-centered leadership; County Office Administrators; those responsible for LCAP implementation, interested in educational equity, and in closing achievement gaps in their schools and districts; School Board Members.

Themes Include

  • Equity-Centered Leadership
  • Using Data as an Equity Engine to Create Inclusive Systems
  • Planning for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)
  • Cultural Proficiency and Historical Context
  • Making the Commitment to Cultural Proficiency in Your Organization
  • Budget Development: Aligning Resources & Allocations to Support
  • Equity for Each Student
  • Family Inclusion in School and Community Partnerships
  • Applying Continuous Improvement Processes to Address Inequities in Student Outcomes
  • Navigating the Politics of Equity: Understanding and Advocating to Create and Sustain Change
  • Implicit Bias & the Equity-Centered Leader
  • Self-Care, Community building, and Communication
  • Coaching for Equity
  • Equity-Centered Teacher Leaders
  • Leading for Social Justice
  • Totality of the Role of the Equity-Centered Leader

Meeting Formats

Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven weekends in a virtual/online meeting format for 10 hours per Academy weekend.

The academy meets Friday evenings, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.* 

*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Registration

ACSA Members — $1,350
Non-Members — $2,700

Enrollment is limited to the first 30 registrants.
Register with Credit Card or Purchase Order
  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card, or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.

Cohorts

Equity-Centered Leadership — Statewide

Virtual/online Format
Directors: Cherina Betters & Marcie Poole
  • September 11-12, 2026           
  • October 9-10, 2026    
  • November 13-14, 2026
  • December 11-12, 2026             
  • January 8-9, 2027        
  • February 5-6, 2027
  • March 5-6, 2027

Registration will open June 1.

Sign Up for Updates

Register for the Equity-Centered Leadership Academy.

Register Now

Personnel Administrators Academy

The ACSA Personnel Administrators Academy offers thorough training for new or aspiring personnel managers, human resource directors, and personnel staff.

The comprehensive curriculum also gives superintendents and other top-level district administrators an excellent legal and operational foundation for managing employees. Presentations and discussion sessions are presented by experienced personnel administrators from throughout California. Participants develop the fundamental skills required for effective school personnel management and discover the resources needed to succeed on the job within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

Personnel Administrators Academy Information & Registration

Intended Audience

Superintendents; assistant superintendents, and directors of Human Resources; district and county office personnel administrators and managers; certificated and classified personnel staff; Site Administrators

Themes Include

Personnel Department Organization

  • Role of the personnel manager.
  • Organizing the certificated/classified personnel office.
  • Technology in human resource management.
  • Job description/reclassification/compensation.

Employee Management

  • Evaluating employees.
  • Staffing needs and recruitment.
  • Employee counseling techniques.
  • Employer-employee relations.
  • Collective bargaining and contract management.
  • Budget, salary, benefits.

Legal Aspects

  • Due process.
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).
  • State and federal laws and regulations.
  • Layoff and termination.

Staff Development

  • Troubleshooting special personnel problems.
  • Professional advancement opportunities.
  • Induction, orientation.

Meeting Formats

Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven weekends in a virtual/online or hybrid meeting format for 10 hours per Academy weekend.

The academy meets Friday evenings, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.*

*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Registration

ACSA Members — Virtual Cohort: $1,350
ACSA Members — Hybrid Cohort: $1,449

Non-Members — Virtual Cohort: $2,700
Non-Members — Hybrid Cohort: $2,898

Enrollment is limited to the first 30 registrants.
Register with Credit Card or Purchase Order
  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card, or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.

Cohorts

Personnel Administrators — Azusa

Hybrid format
Azusa USD | Board Room
546 S. Citrus Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702
Director: Corey James & Alexis Norman
  • September 18-19, 2026                             
  • October 16-17, 2026                   
  • November 20-21, 2026
  • January 15-16, 2027
  • February 5-6, 2027
  • February 26-27, 2027
  • April 2-3, 2027

NOTE: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.

Personnel Administrators — Costa Mesa

Hybrid format
Newport-Mesa USD | Board Room
2985 Bear Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Director: Leona Olson & Shoshana Nakano
  • September 11-12, 2026                             
  • October 2-3, 2026       
  • October 23-24, 2026
  • December 4-5, 2026
  • January 15-16, 2027  
  • February 26-27, 2027
  • March 19-20, 2027

NOTE: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.

Personnel Administrators — Ontario

Virtual/online format
Directors: Michael Lin & Sam Buenrostro
  • October 2-3, 2026
  • November 13-14, 2026                               
  • December 11-12, 2026
  • January 15-16, 2027
  • February 19-20, 2027
  • March 12-13, 2027
  • April 9-10, 2027

Personnel Administrators — Pleasanton

Hybrid format
Pleasanton USD | Board Room
5758 W. Las Positas Blvd Pleasanton CA 94588 
Directors: Sherri Beetz & Nimarta Grewal 
  • September 25-26, 2026                             
  • October 9-10, 2026       
  • October 23-24, 2026
  • Novembrer 20-21, 2026
  • December 11-12, 2026
  • January 22-23, 2026
  • February 19-20, 2027

NOTE: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.

Personnel Administrators — Roseville

Virtual/online format
Director: Colleen Slattery
  • September 11-12, 2026                             
  • September 25-26, 2026                             
  • October 9-10, 2026
  • November 13-14, 2026
  • December 11-12, 2026
  • January 22-23, 2027
  • February 26-27, 2027

Personnel Administrators — San Diego

Virtual/online format
Director: Cindy Frazee
  • October 9-10, 2026
  • October 23-24, 2026
  • November 13-14, 2026
  • January 8-9, 2027
  • January 22-23 2027
  • February 19-20, 2027
  • March 5-6, 2027

Personnel Administrators — San Mateo

Virtual/online format
Director: Tami Moore
  • September 25-26, 2026                             
  • October 23-24, 2026
  • November 13-14, 2026
  • December 4-5, 2026
  • January 8-9, 2027
  • February 5-6, 2027
  • March 5-6, 2027

Personnel Administrators — Stockton

Virtual/online format
Director: Christina Torres-Peters
  • September 11-12, 2026                             
  • October 16-17, 2026
  • November 20-21, 2026
  • December 18-19, 2026
  • January 22-23, 2026
  • February 5-6, 2027
  • February 19-21, 2027

Registration will open June 1.

Sign Up for Updates

Register for the Personnel Administrators Academy.

Register Now

Principals Academy

The ACSA Principals Academy, for new or aspiring principals, is designed to build the capacity of the next generation of principals to become transformational leaders who can identify critical paradigm shifts, create a guiding and unifying vision through inspiration, and execute essential change with site staff.

Presentations and interactive sessions are presented by experienced school administrators from a variety of departments involved in school and district operations, and experienced practicing school principals.

The intensive academy focus is on developing and refining applied leadership and management skills required of principals at the elementary, middle grades and high school levels within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

Principals Academy Information & Registration

Intended Audience

New and aspiring principals; assistant and vice principals; Academic Coaches and new district or county office administrators responsible for supporting principals

Themes Include

  • Principal leadership.
  • Leading the implementation of the California State Standards.
  • High quality instruction.
  • Learning assessments.
  • Change and growth.
  • Leadership in challenging times.
  • School climate and culture.
  • Social Emotional Learning.
  • Finance.
  • Personnel/school law.
  • Communication.

The extensive course syllabus and materials provided to participants are exceptional resources for ongoing reference and career planning.

Meeting Formats

Participants experience 80 hours of professional learning over eight weekends in a virtual/online meeting format for 10 hours per Academy weekend.

The academy meets Friday evenings, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.*

*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Registration

ACSA Members — $1,500
Non-Members — $3,000

Enrollment is limited to the first 30 registrants.
Register with Credit Card or Purchase Order
  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card, or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.

Cohorts

Principals — Rancho Cucamonga

Virtual/online format
Director: Charles “Derrick” Lawson
  • September 25-26, 2026                             
  • October 16-17, 2026
  • November 13-14, 2026             
  • December 11-12, 2026
  • January 8-9, 2027
  • January 29-30, 2027
  • February 19-20, 2027
  • March 12-13 2027

Principals — Sacramento

Virtual/online format
Directors: Julie Braun Martin & Karen Sakata
  • September 11-12, 2026           
  • October 9-10, 2026
  • November 13-14, 2026
  • December 4-5, 2026
  • January 15-16, 2027
  • February 5-6, 2027
  • March 19-20, 2027
  • April 9-10, 2027

Registration will open June 1.

Sign Up for Updates

Register for the Principals Academy.

Register Now

Pupil Services Academy

The ACSA Pupil Services Academy covers a variety of topics pupil services administrators must know and understand to be successful at all levels and areas of responsibility.

The academy is designed with a consistent focus on equity, leadership, communication, prevention, and intervention. Sessions include best practices and strategies and resources for methods of implementation. Within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), the academy integrates the principles of:

  • organization and cultural environment,
  • dynamics of strategic issues management,
  • ethical and reflective leadership,
  • analysis and development of public policy, and
  • management of information systems and human and fiscal resources.

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

Pupil Services Academy Information & Registration

Intended Audience

Assistant/associate superintendents of Student Services (general and Special Education); district administrators including coordinators and directors responsible for child welfare and attendance; district and county office pupil services administrators; site administrators; school counselors; school psychologists; those aspiring to pupil services leadership; school board members.

Themes Include

  • Enrollment Processes.
  • Special Populations and Pupil Services.
  • Equity and Due Process.
  • Accountability and Evaluation.
  • School Attendance and School Attendance Review Board (SARB).
  • Alternatives to Discipline and Behavior Issues.
  • Safe Schools.
  • Suspension and Expulsion.
  • School Placements, Transfers, and Appeals.
  • Student Records, Confidentiality, and Custody Issues.
  • Intervention: Pre-Referral through Referral Process.
  • Section 504.
  • Home and Hospital Instruction.
  • Advocacy for Students.

Meeting Formats

Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven weekends in a virtual/online or hybrid meeting format for 10 hours per Academy weekend.

The academy meets Friday evenings, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.*

*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Registration

ACSA Members — Virtual Cohort: $1,350
ACSA Members — Hybrid Cohort: $1,449

Non-Members — Virtual Cohort: $2,700
Non-Members — Hybrid Cohort: $2,898

Enrollment is limited to the first 30 registrants.
Register with Credit Card or Purchase Order
  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card, or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.

Cohorts

Pupil Services — San Mateo

Hybrid format
San Mateo County Office of Education
101 Twin Dolphin Dr, Redwood City, CA 94065
Director: Kris Shouse
  • September 25-26, 2026                             
  • October 16-17, 2026 
  • November 13-14, 2026
  • December 4-5, 2026
  • January 8-9, 2027
  • February 5-6, 2027
  • March 12-13, 2027

NOTE: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.

Pupil Services — Walnut Creek

Virtual/online format
Director: Steven France
  • September 11-12, 2026                             
  • October 23-24, 2026
  • December 11-12, 2026
  • January 22-23, 2027
  • February 19-20, 2027
  • March 5-6, 2027
  • April 16-17, 2027

Registration will open June 1.

Sign Up for Updates

Register for the Pupil Services Academy.

Register Now

School Business Academy

The ACSA School Business Academy provides a comprehensive, concentrated curriculum tailored to the unique demands of business management in the education setting.

The academy is the only source of specialized training in all facets of school business operations available to new or aspiring school business administrators. Presentations and discussion sessions are led by seasoned professionals who use practical examples of effective business management techniques. The School Business Academy focuses on building the practical skills and understanding of organizational principles required for today’s administrators within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).

This Academy is not part of a certification pathway. Administrators seeking Chief Business Official certification are encouraged to complete the Business Executives Leadership Program, in its entirety, with the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO).

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

School Business Academy Information & Registration

Intended Audience

Superintendents and cabinet members; newly appointed and aspiring chief business officials; Educational Services and Human Resources administrators, principals, and other district staff seeking an in-depth introduction to school business operations; School Board Members.

Themes Include

Leadership, Organization and Personnel Relationships in Business Service

  • Selection, training and supervision of staff.
  • Superintendent, CBO, board relations.
  • Strategic planning.
  • Legislation and advocacy.
  • Leadership and relationships.
  • Collective bargaining.
  • Collaboration and internal controls between business services and human resources departments.
  • Communications within school business department.

Budget Preparation and Control

  • Legal provisions and restrictions.
  • Estimating attendance, enrollments, income and expenditures.
  • Budget, calendar planning and development.
  • Development of the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).
  • Managing school district budgets including site-based and curriculum-driven budgets with an equity lens.
  • Fiscal oversight.

School Finance, Accounting and Auditing

  • Standard account code structures.
  • History of school finance.
  • Financing alternatives.
  • Understanding the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).
  • Special Education funding, programs and efficiency.
  • Purpose of auditing.
  • Attendance accounting.
  • Associated Student Body (ASB)/booster group accounting.

Business Operations

  • Facilities planning, and financing.
  • Purchasing and contracts.
  • Pupil transportation.
  • Food services.
  • Technology and information management.
  • Risk management.
  • Maintenance and operations.

Meeting Formats

Participants experience 100 hours of professional learning over ten weekends in a virtual/online meeting format for 10 hours per Academy weekend.

The academy meets Friday evenings, 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.*

*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Registration

ACSA Members — $1,770
Non-Members — $3,540

Enrollment is limited to the first 30 registrants.
Register with Credit Card or Purchase Order
  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card, or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.

Cohorts

School Business — Statewide

Virtual/online format
Director: Candace Reines
  • September 18-19, 2026           
  • October 2-3, 2026       
  • October 23-24, 2026
  • November 13-14, 2026             
  • December 11-12, 2026             
  • January 22-23, 2027
  • February 5-6, 2027
  • February 26-27, 2027
  • March 13-14, 2027
  • April 2-3, 2027

Registration will open June 1.

Sign Up for Updates

Register for the School Business Academy.

Register Now

Special Education Academy

The ACSA Special Education Academy provides current and relevant training for successful administrators at all levels and areas of responsibility related to special education programs and services.

Participants are provided essential information and resources through a consistent academy focus through the lenses of equity, leadership, communication, prevention and intervention, partner involvement, and fiscal responsibility. The academy integrates:

  • organization and cultural environment,
  • dynamics of strategic issues management,
  • ethical and reflective leadership,
  • analysis and development of public policy, and
  • management of information systems and human and fiscal resources.

in consideration of the larger implications of funding and accountability relevant to special education, and to local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).

The academy highlights legal and practical implementation features related to special education topics and themes, and provides a firm foundation for working within the educational services realms of general education and special education at the site and district level.

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

Special Education Academy Information & Registration

Intended Audience

Assistant superintendents and directors of Special Education or Student Services; program coordinators, intervention specialists; county office, charter, district and site administrators responsible for special education at the school, district or SELPA levels; aspiring special education administrators; those seeking to improve their knowledge and skills in service to students.

Themes Include

  • Historical and statewide perspective of special education.
  • Section 504 and ADA regulations and requirements.
  • Multi-Tiered System of Supports and Universal Design for Learning for all students.
  • Assessment and procedural safeguards for ensuring a quality IEP.
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution.
  • Mediation and Due Process hearings.
  • Disciplinary protections for students with disablilities
  • Special education transitions.
  • Curriculum, instruction and California State Standards for special education students.
  • State and Federal laws affecting special education.
  • Disproportionality and Significant Disproportionality.
  • Emerging multilingual and multicultural learners.
  • Advocacy for students with disabilities.
  • Current issues facing special education, including legal hot topics.
  • Funding and budget development.
  • Human resources, credentialing and staffing, and evaluation of special education programs.
  • Educational reform inclusive of special education.
  • Expansion of early learning programs.
  • State and Federal accountability and evaluation.

Meeting Formats

Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven weekends in a virtual/online meeting format for 10 hours per Academy weekend.

The academy meets Friday evenings, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.*

*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Registration

ACSA Members — $1,350
Non-Members — $2,700

Enrollment is limited to the first 30 registrants.
Register with Credit Card or Purchase Order
  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card, or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.

Cohorts

Special Education — Arcadia

Virtual/online format
Directors: Jennifer Yales & Katherine Mahoney
  • September 25-26, 2026                             
  • October 23-24, 2026
  • November 5-6, 2026
  • December 11-12, 2026
  • January 22-23, 2027
  • February 26-27, 2027
  • March 26-27, 2027

Special Education — Redwood City

Virtual/online format
Directors: Mary Yung & Shelly Ota
  • September 18-19, 2026                             
  • October 16-17, 2026
  • November 13-14, 2026
  • December 11-12, 2026
  • January 22-23, 2027
  • February 19-20, 2027
  • March 12-13, 2027

Special Education — Riverside

Virtual/online format
Director: Barbara Sorter
  • September 11-12, 2026           
  • October 9-10, 2026
  • November 13-14, 2026
  • December 4-5, 2026 
  • January 8-9, 2027
  • February 5-6, 2027
  • March 12-13, 2027

Registration will open June 1.

Sign Up for Updates

Register for the Special Education Academy.

Register Now

Superintendents Academy

The ACSA Superintendents Academy offers an excellent, intensive forum for new or aspiring superintendents to develop the fundamental skills needed to effectively lead a California school district within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).

Presentations and discussion sessions are conducted by an experienced faculty of superintendents who blend leadership and management theory with practical applications and examples.

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

Superintendents Academy Information & Registration

Intended Audience

New superintendents and superintendent/principals; assistant superintendents and cabinet members; principals responsible for district operations; district and county office administrators including those aspiring to the superintendency.

Themes Include

The Superintendency

  • Leadership role of superintendents.
  • Managing the change process.
  • Ethical and reflective leadership.
  • Challenges facing new superintendents.
  • Keys to personal advancement.
  • Equity-minded leadership.

District Management

  • School district organization.
  • Management skills.
  • Community partnerships.
  • Developing a positive district climate.
  • Strategic planning.

Human Relations

  • Instructional/management team building.
  • Shared decision making and restructuring.
  • Board/superintendent relations.
  • Negotiations and collective bargaining.
  • Personnel management, evaluation and employee relations.

Instructional Leadership

  • Staff development.
  • Improving and evaluating instructional programs.
  • Instructional materials selection, censorship and critical curriculum issues.
  • Educational technology uses in management and instruction.

Policies and Procedures

  • Superintendent contracts.
  • California law and the superintendency.
  • School finance and budgeting.
  • Implementing the Ed Code and other state regulations.

The ACSA Superintendents Academy is widely regarded as the “fast track” into the superintendency. The academy helps participants avoid pitfalls, learn practical tips from seasoned superintendents, and build a resource network of colleagues. The extensive course syllabus and materials provided to each participant are exceptional resources for ongoing reference.

Meeting Formats

Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven weekends in a virtual/online or hybrid meeting format for 10 hours per Academy weekend.

The academy meets Friday evenings, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.*

*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Registration

ACSA Members — Virtual Cohort: $1,350
ACSA Members — Hybrid Cohort: $1,449

Non-Members — Virtual Cohort: $2,700
Non-Members — Hybrid Cohort: $2,898

Enrollment is limited to the first 30 registrants.
Register with Credit Card or Purchase Order
  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card, or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment.

Cohorts

Superintendents — Los Angeles

Virtual/online format
Director: Mary McNeil
  • October 2-3, 2026    
  • November 13-14, 2026                               
  • December 11-12, 2026
  • January 8-9, 2027
  • February 19-20, 2027
  • March 12-13, 2027
  • April 9-10, 2027

Superintendents — Sacramento

Hybrid format
ACSA | 3rd Floor Conference Room
1029 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Director: Ron Carruth
  • September 25-26, 2026                             
  • October 23-24, 2026
  • December 11-12, 2026
  • January 22-23, 2027
  • February 19-20, 2027
  • March 19-20, 2027
  • April 2-3, 2027

NOTE: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.

Superintendents — Santa Barbara

Virtual/online format
Director: Holly Edds
  • September 18-19, 2026                             
  • October 2-3, 2026 
  • November 13-14, 2026
  • January 15-16, 2027
  • February 5-6, 2027
  • March 19-20 2027
  • April 9-10, 2027

Registration will open June 1.

Sign Up for Updates

Register for the Superintendents Academy.

Register Now

ACSA wishes to acknowledge Lozano Smith for their support of the Superintendents Academy.

Lozano Smith Logo
New Superintendents’ Seminar Series

ACSA offers two premier professional learning programs for Superintendents. The Superintendents Academy for new and aspiring superintendents and the New Superintendents’ Seminar Series (NSSS) for first- and second-year superintendents.

COMPARE PROGRAMS
LEARN MORE

FAQ About ACSA Academies

Academy Scholarships

ACSA offers academy scholarship funding, exclusively for academy participation, for members with financial need to attend job-specific academies. We also encourage you to reach out to your ACSA region to inquire about their professional development scholarship offerings.

Who is eligible?

Regular ACSA members who have a commitment to educational quality, student achievement and professional growth, who can demonstrate a financial need, and who have not previously been awarded an Academy scholarship

What is the deadline to apply?

Applications and related materials must be submitted directly to state ACSA through the 2026-27 Academy Scholarship Application Form, deadline July 13, 2026. Recipients will be notified in writing. Please email Trish Elmore with any questions.

How are recipients chosen?

The Academy Scholarship Selection Committee comprised of representative Academy Directors will meet and review all applications, résumés, and essays submitted for consideration. Names of awardees will be forwarded to the ACSA Board of Directors.

What is the scholarship amount?

Eight $500 scholarships and one $1,000 scholarship (for superintendents only) will be awarded to recipients selected by the Academy Scholarships Selection Committee.

What is the application criteria?

Highest priority will be given to ACSA members whose applications are complete and thoroughly address as many of the following criteria as possible:

  1. Commitment to the profession.
  2. Demonstrated contribution to the profession.
  3. Cultural, ethnic or linguistic diversity. influencing education policy.
  4. Experience working in an urban or rural environment in the professional work setting.
  5. Actualizing ACSA’s mission and beliefs.
  6. Demonstrated interest in understanding.
  7. Providing leadership that enlists and engages others.

To apply for an ACSA Academy scholarship please:

  1. Complete the Academy Scholarship form linked below (only one application per member). 
  2. Include an up-to-date résumé. 
  3. Carefully prepare an essay addressing each the following criteria: 
    • Discuss your current career goals including the ways that you provide leadership in your professional work setting and within the ACSA organization.
    • Identify the academy you would like to attend and discuss how attendance at this academy will enhance your contribution to education. 
    • Describe your active involvement with ACSA at any of the state, region and/or charter levels. 
    • Provide a statement that demonstrates your financial need and efforts you have made to obtain funding through other sources. 
  4. Do not include additional materials or letters of recommendation.
Apply for a Scholarship

ACSA Academies are intensive, multi-weekend programs providing educational leaders with in-depth knowledge and practical skills. Academies are offered in different leadership specializations to meet your needs as a school administrator, confidential employee or classified manager.

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