CAIS At A Glance
Membership
233
Schools
Total Enrollment
~93K
Students
School Size
31~1979
Students
Median Tuition
$38K
Per Year
Financial Aid
$460M
Per Year
Academics
93%
to 4-yr colleges
Diversity
51%
Students of Color
Diversity
34%
Teachers of Color
Diversity
19%
Heads of Color
Who We Are
- CAIS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1941.
- At the time of its founding in 1941, CAIS comprised just 21 schools. We now serve nearly 93,000 students in more than 233 independent non-profit elementary, middle, and high schools throughout California.
What We Offer
- An ongoing cycle of accreditation, training and support to independent K-12 schools throughout California.
- Professional development, networking, resources, and solution-driven guidance to member school heads and trustees.
A Snapshot of CAIS Schools
Independent, Nonprofit Institutions
- CAIS schools are financially and structurally independent of government, shareholders, religious groups or other external organizations.
- An independent school is free to act in students' best interest, without significant influence from outside sources.
A wide range of missions, sizes, approaches, cultures, affiliations and programs
- Over 233 schools to meet diverse needs
- School sizes ranging from 31 to 1979 students
- Secular (non-religious), Catholic, Episcopal, Jewish, and Muslim schools
- Language immersion and international schools
- Traditional and progressive approaches
- Supporting all types of learners, including gifted and special-needs students
- Urban, suburban, and rural locations
Environments that Prepare and NuRture Students
- CAIS schools provide strong academic and co-curricular programs, preparing students for college and beyond.
- CAIS schools know and nurture each individual student in tight-knit, caring, and goal-oriented communities.
Communities that Embrace and Celebrate Diversity
- All CAIS schools offer financial aid; together providing over 460 million dollars in financial aid each year.
- Our schools include 51% students of color, 34% teachers of color, and 19% heads of color with a shared commitment to inclusion, equity, and belonging.
CAIS Membership
CAIS independent, nonprofit schools are held to high standards, ensuring that each school can fulfill its unique mission. We assess six key areas:
- Instititional Purpose and Core Values
- Teaching and Learning
- Financial Sustainability
- Operational Purpose and Core Values
- Institutional Stewardship and Leadership
- Institutional Improvement and Sustainability
CAIS Member Schools
Share high ethical standards, including non-discrimination in admissions and hiring.
Make continuous improvements to their programs through an
ongoing cycle of self study and re-accreditation.
Data on this page comes from the database of the National Assocation of Independent Schools.