Connecting schools,
one story at a time.
Be part of Narrative 4’s national movement to strengthen relationships in schools with easy-to-use tools that deepen connection and ignite student engagement.
What is the National Schools Network?
The N4NSN is a community of schools and educators from across the United States who are committed to experiential learning, intentional community, and fostering connection through storytelling and the arts.
Twice a year, a new cohort of N4NSN educators, administrators, and school teams are selected to participate in a semester-long program. In this program, participants experience a Story Exchange, train to become a Certified Story Exchange Facilitator, gain access to Narrative 4 tools and classroom resources, and participate in community workshops with other educators and leaders from across the nation. Thanks to the generous supporters of Narrative 4, N4NSN is available at no cost.
We welcome educators from all K-12 schools across the US and US territories. Educators may apply individually, or schools may apply as a group of 2-10 team members.
Application Deadline:
August 8, 2025
Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions:
May 22nd, 2025 at 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT
May 29th, 2025 at 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT
June 9th, 2025 at 8:00pm ET / 5:00pm PT
June 18th, 2025 at 12:00pm ET / 9:00am PT
July 10th, 2025 at 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT
July 23rd, 2025 at 4:00pm ET / 1:00pm PT
Improve Classroom
Engagement
Promote Better
Mental Health
Increase Students’
Sense of Belonging
Get to know the Narrative 4 National Schools Network
Eager to learn more about this program? Have questions for us? We’re happy to help!
What kind of school/educator is the ideal candidate for this network?
We welcome educators from all K-12 schools and homeschool coalitions across the US.
How much does it cost to be a part of the National Schools Network?
This program is fully funded from the support of our generous donors!
Do I have to commit to the full program itinerary to be part of the National Schools Network?
All participants are required to participate in the pre and post assessments, attend the Story Exchange, complete N4 training, and lead the Story Exchange and at least one N4 resource in their classroom. Participants are required to attend at least 80% of cohort sessions, alerting their N4NSN team member if they are unable to attend.
Who will I be working with from Narrative 4’s team?
You will be working with your a dedicated team from Narrative 4 made up of our National Partnership Success Managers, Partnership Associates, and Program Leads.
What are some key takeaways for participating staff?
- Become Narrative 4 Certified Story Exchange Facilitators
- Learn new techniques for increasing student engagement and enhancing sense of belonging
- Develop new classroom management skills with a focus on skillful interventions
- Participate in local and national communities of practice to learn best practices for integrating N4 programs in your school
What is the time commitment of being part of the Network?
The program runs over the course of one semester, from August through December 2025. This will include 12-16 hours of out of school time in trainings and workshops as well as 5-7 hours of classroom work.
What are some key benefits for participating schools?
Narrative 4’s core methodology, the Story Exchange, is a research- backed intervention that has proven to have the following results in independent studies conducted by Yale and the Univeristy of Chicago:
- Increased levels of cultural competency and classroom engagement
- Improved communication skills and decreased intra-school conflict
- Positive relationships between students and teachers
What does the application process entail?
We have made this application process as easy as possible! Any K-12 School or educator across the United States is welcome to apply. Use this link to access the NSN application. The application should take no more than 10 minutes. We will personally review each application and get back to you within one month.
Narrative 4 is essential to my work as a High School English Teacher. Creating not just a safe space but a brave space.”
Brian Crowe
Moravian Academy, Bethlehem, PA
What I have loved about watching my students embark on the Story Exchange is the extent to which they must tap into their own courage in order to share vulnerable, deeply meaningful stories. When the students are willing to be vulnerable, they build a profound connection with their story exchange partner by the Story Exchange, that lead students to a sense of deep connection.”
Polly Kimberly
Associate Director of College Counseling & Upper School Diversity Coordinator Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
I’ve seen students develop the ability to imagine for themselves. I’ve seen students realize truths about themselves. Narrative 4 can help students understand the limitations they’ve been taught to put on themselves so they might free themselves of those limitations.”
Willie Carver
2022 Kentucky State Teacher of the Year
