Head Tenure Down 7.5%
Over the past decade, the average tenure of INDEX Heads of School has decreased by 7.5%, from 8 years to 7.4 years. Despite shorter tenures, the total average headship experience (across all schools) has increased by 18.2%, rising from 11 to 13 years.
19% of Heads Teach
19% of INDEX Heads of School take on teaching responsibilities, a figure that has remained stable over the last 10 years.
32% of Schools Led by Women (167% Growth)
Women lead 32% of INDEX schools, reflecting a significant 167% increase from a decade ago. Among INDEX schools, 50% of PK-8 schools are led by women, 46% of middle/upper schools (includes many all-girls schools) are led by women, and 24% of PK-12 schools are led by women — however among PK-12 schools with enrollments greater than 1200, only 20% are led by women.
Teacher Attrition Down 20%
Teacher attrition has decreased by 20% since its peak in 2021-22. In 2023-24, the average overall teacher attrition rate was 10%, however attrition among educators of color was higher at 15%.
Admin/Staff Attrition Down 19%
Administration and staff attrition has dropped by 19% since its peak in 2021-22. The current average attrition rate for administrators and staff is 9%.