Effective faculty professional development programs in independent schools can lead to a collegial, intellectually stimulating school culture. These programs can inspire exciting partnerships. Importantly, there's a "trickle down effect"; energized faculty lead to energized students. Yet, many independent schools lack faculty professional development programs. This piece examines why schools whose commitment is to education may fail to develop a community of life-long learners among the faculty. It details the obstacles to the design and implementation of these programs and it addresses how these roadblocks can be overcome. After describing the critical ingredients of effective programs, it examines how these programs can benefit independent schools and how they can lead to fruitful and productive partnerships with universities and community agencies. Finally, it discusses how these programs can aid faculty development and retention.