Home - California Association of Independent Schools

Home - California Association of Independent Schools
Empowering Schools to Deliver
Exceptional Educational Experiences
Over 80 Years of Experience
Since 1941, the California Association of Independent Schools
(CAIS) has helped hundreds of schools educate their students
with excellence and care. Our rigorous accreditation process
ensures schools meet and maintain high ethical and academic
standards. Elevated leadership results in a better experience
for students — and a better world for all.
New Executive Director Announcement
Phil Gutierrez named as the new CAIS Executive Director.
Learn More
Find a Job
Work at a CAIS school! Our jobs board
makes searching simple.
SEARCH JOBS
Making Great Schools Even Better
CAIS empowers educational leaders with the resources, networking,
and support to propel their schools to greater heights.
EXPLORE ACCREDITATION
Find the Right School for Your Child
CAIS schools are among the best in California and reflect a diverse range of options.
SEARCH SCHOOLS
Why Choose a CAIS School?
CAIS schools are financially and structurally independent of
government, shareholders, religious groups or other
organizations. They are free to focus on the needs of students.
TRUSTED
EXPERIENCE
With over 80 years in education, CAIS understands the needs of
independent schools. CAIS has earned the trust of countless
leaders, educators, and families alike.
A COMMITMENT
TO
EXCELLENCE
High accreditation standards, ongoing
training, and targeted support empower our member schools to
thrive.
PROVEN
RESULTS
CAIS schools are trusted and effective: 90% of CAIS students
stay with their school through graduation, and over 90% of
CAIS seniors go on to attend 4-year colleges.
PREPARATION
FOR
LEADERSHIP
CAIS students encounter a wide range of people and
perspectives, which better prepares them to make a difference
in an increasingly global and multifaceted world.
Find the Best Fit for Your Family
CAIS schools serve over 80% of the students in California's
secular (non-religious) nonprofit K-12 schools. We also serve
dozens of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish schools.
DIVERSE SCHOOLS
234
MEMBER SCHOOLS
AND GROWING
93K
TOTAL CALIFORNIA
ENROLLED STUDENTS
With a wide range of missions, sizes, locations, programs, and
school cultures, there's a CAIS school that's right for your
family. Find schools that are secular, religious, academic,
special needs, traditional, progressive, and more.
DIVERSE COMMUNITIES
51%
STUDENTS
OF COLOR
$460M
FINANCIAL AID
PER YEAR
All CAIS schools provide financial aid and are committed to
building diverse, inclusive communities where every student
truly belongs.
Thank you for understanding what is strategically relevant for
HOS and trustees and supporting us with expertise and guidance.
Keep up the great work!
Board chair
Thank you for your partnership, CAIS is always there for us!
Head of School
I found the whole accreditation process to be very rewarding.
Our school felt supported by CAIS and by our visiting team.
Head of School
Get the Targeted Training and Support You Need
CAIS partners with school leaders to provide the best possible
education.
MEMBERSHIP OFFERS:
An ongoing cycle of accreditation
and improvement
that keeps schools
accountable to, and recognized for, their standards of
excellence.
Professional development for
school heads and
trustees
so they can provide the
highest level of leadership.
Resources, networking opportunities,
and individual
attention
so schools can navigate
their biggest challenges with more clarity and ease.
Quick Links
Find a School
Membership
Job Board
Fast Facts