About

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. Learn more below!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vision and Values

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

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).

Schools in the News

Read a sampling of recent media articles featuring independent schools.

Contact NAIS

We are committed to providing excellent customer service.

How can we help you?

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.

NAIS Staff Listing

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

Independent School Magazine

Summer 2019

Explore how independent schools are considering students' mental, emotional, and physical health and well-being.

Read More

Upcoming Events

NAIS Strategy Lab: General Workshop 1

September 23, 2019

Chicago, IL
NAIS Leadership Through Partnership

October 04, 2019

Washington, DC

Featured Products

New! The Board Chair Handbook

This comprehensive guide can serve as a training tool, instruction manual, and reference for board leaders.

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2018-2019 NAIS Trendbook

Help your school change and grow. Explore 36 research-based trends in enrollment, the school experience, and more.

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International Trustee Handbook

New! A practical training tool especially for schools outside the U.S.

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Trustee Handbook

Learn what you need to know to succeed as a school trustee, including both strategic context and practical advice.

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Independent School Subscription

NAIS's award-winning magazine covers the issues that matter most to independent schools.

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Research & Data

Data and Analysis for School Leadership
Where do you stand? Use more than 30 years of independent school data to help you make the right choices for your school.

VISIT THE DASL WEBSITE

Search NAIS Directories

Find a School, Company, or Colleague
Looking for an independent school in your area? Does your school need a product or service? Browse our listings.

CHOOSE A DIRECTORY

Principles of Good Practice

Looking for PGPs?
The NAIS Principles of Good Practice for member schools define high standards and ethical behavior in key areas of independent school operations. The PGPs reflect the overall dedication to quality education that has always characterized independent schools.