The California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) is a non-profit organization of more than 190 elementary, middle and secondary schools in California. The Association serves and strengthens its schools by setting standards of academic quality and ethical conduct, by providing for the professional growth of faculty, administrators, and trustees, and by promoting ethnic and socio-economic diversity.
CAIS provides member schools with:
- Accreditation services based on independent school standards in cooperation with WASC
- Conferences and workshops for teachers, administrators and trustee
- Association insurance programs
- Information on legislation and regulations
- Listservs for administrators
- Newsletters
- Networking opportunities
To be a full member of CAIS, schools must have received accreditation by the Association. The accreditation process includes a written self-study based on 111 standards with responses to questions about every aspect of the school. This report is followed by an on-site visit by a team of educators who look into every aspect of the school's programs and operations to assess their effectiveness in fulfilling the school's stated purposes.
Download:
- Membership Application
- CAIS Procedures for Appraising the Independent School (Accreditation Manual)
- Standards for Member Schools
- Principles of Good Practice for Member Schools
- Principles of Good Practice for Parents
- Statement on Choice in Education
Click here to read more about the CAIS accreditation process.
