About NAIS

The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) is a nonprofit membership association that provides services to more than 1,800 schools and associations of schools in the United States and abroad, including more than 1,500 independent private K-12 schools in the U.S.

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About the President

Donna Orem was named president of NAIS in November 2016. Orem served as NAIS’s chief operating officer for 11 years before becoming president. Orem speaks frequently about leadership, governance, trends in independent education, and workforce development. She is the author of numerous book chapters and articles.

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NAIS Governance

The NAIS board of trustees, made up of 22 individuals, addresses its fiduciary, strategic, and generative duties, led by the officers and the Executive Committee.

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NAIS Annual Reports

Each NAIS Annual Report represents the association's top accomplishments throughout a calendar year. It also provides examples of the ways in which NAIS is serving its members and providing leadership in the independent school community.

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Commission on Accreditation

To be accredited by a member of NAIS's Commission on Accreditation signifies that a school has not only undergone a thorough standards-based review of its mission-centered program but that it is a part of an independent school community with a common commitment to education excellence.

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NAIS Public Policy Positions

NAIS's national voice is articulated in many ways: from media and public relations to public policy positions and legislative/regulatory communications. The following reflect the NAIS board of trustees' current public policy positions, with information and considerations for independent schools.

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Vision and Values

NAIS envisions "a vibrant community of independent schools for a changing nation and demanding world."

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History of NAIS

On March 1, 1962, delegates from the Independent Schools Education Board (ISEB) and the National Council of Independent Schools (NCIS) voted to establish an entity with the name National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

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Schools in the News

Read a sampling of recent media articles featuring independent schools.

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Jobs at NAIS

At NAIS, we’re passionate about education and the work that we do to advance it. Our employees and their well-being are among our highest priorities and without them we would not be able to create a solid foundation of support for our membership and the students that we serve.

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NAIS Staff Listing

Want to contact an NAIS staff member? Find the person you're looking for here.

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