NAIS Membership

Membership

NAIS is the leading resource for independent school leaders. With various categories of membership and affiliation, you can find a level that allows your school or organization to benefit from our trusted guidance, research and data, global network, and leading voice.

Benefits of Joining

When your school joins NAIS, every staff and faculty member—from teachers to trustees—gains access to NAIS benefits throughout the course of one school year (July 1-June 30).

Learn More

Application

Ready to join? Complete our online application process.

Join Today

School Membership Options

Non-School Organizations

  • NAIS Supporter Program

    The NAIS Supporter program is offered to organizations and nonprofits looking to increase their reach within the independent school community. 

    Learn How to Join

Frequently Asked Questions

  • NAIS member schools are K-13 private, independent schools of all types and sizes around the country. See a snapshot of our community.

  • Yes! For-profit schools may join as Premium or NAIS Subscribers.

  • To be eligible to be an NAIS Full Member, a school must demonstrate in the application process that it meets the following requirements:

    • Has 501(c)(3) nonprofit status;
    • Has been fully accredited by one of our approved organizations;
    • Is governed by an independent board of trustees;
    • Has demonstrated a commitment to diversity in compliance with state and federal law, as evident in all nondiscrimination policies for admission and hiring;
    • Agrees in spirit with the NAIS Principles of Good Practice.

    Learn more here.

  • NAIS Member and Premium Subscriber dues are based on student enrollment. Any student who is enrolled at your school should be counted as part of your school’s enrollment. This is regardless of whether the student attends full time or part time, or in person or online. NAIS Standard Subscriber dues are a flat annual rate. 

  • NAIS sends out renewal invoices to all current members, Subscribers, and Supporters in April. Initially, the invoice is mailed to the head of school or main company contact, and follow-up invoices are emailed during the summer. Membership and subscription terms end on June 30, and payments are due upon receipt. 


Maximize Your Membership

Maximize Your Membership

As an NAIS member school, you and your entire team have full access to resources that provide you with essential information and inspiration. Use this page to learn how to make the most of your membership.

Featured Products

From future trends to trustee guidance to parent relations and more, find essential books and publications in the NAIS Store.

NAIS Bookstore

Upcoming Events

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  • Seattle skyline
    Feb 2026 25
    Feb 25, 2026
    NAIS Event
    Thrive 2026: NAIS Annual Conference
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  • Dec 2025 09
    Dec 09, 2025
    NAIS Meetup
    NAIS Meetup for Executive Assistants and Support Staff
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  • Dec 2025 09
    Dec 09, 2025
    NAIS Webinar
    NAIS Governance Webinar Series: Co-Creating Robust and Relevant Head of School Evaluations and Goals, Part 2
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  • Dec 2025 09
    Dec 09, 2025
    NAIS Event
    NAIS Strategy Lab Financial Series Workshop: Staffing and Compensation
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