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.

What is an independent school?

Independent schools are pre-collegiate, non-profit institutions governed by boards of trustees and supported by tuition revenue, charitable contributions, and endowment income. Through the accreditation process, schools hold themselves publicly accountable to all who seek assurance that they meet high standards of educational quality, operation and staff competence.

How do schools attain membership in CAIS?

To be eligible for provisional membership, schools must be in their fifth year of operation, be incorporated not-for-profit, meet the standards outlined in the publication Standards for Member Schools (including enrollment, grades served, etc.) and those of a visiting committee of the CAIS Board of Standards. To attain full membership, schools must undergo a full accreditation and be granted a term of accreditation by the Board of Standards.

Download the CAIS At a Glance & Frequently Asked Questions document.