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.

Find a Job
Work at a CAIS School! Our jobs board makes searching simple.

Making Great Schools Even Better
CAIS empowers educational leaders with the resources, networking, and support to propel their schools to greater heights.

Find the Right School for your Child
CAIS schools are among the best in California and reflect a diverse range of options.
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.
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.

Thank you for understanding what is strategically relevant for heads of schools and trustees and for supporting us with expertise and guidance. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for your partnership, CAIS is always there for us!
I found the whole accreditation process to be very rewarding. Our school felt supported by CAIS and by our visiting team.
Get the Targeted Training and Support You Need
CAIS partners with school leaders to provide the best possible education.
that keeps schools accountable to, and recognized for, their standards of excellence.
so they can provide the highest level of leadership.
so schools can navigate their biggest challenges with more clarity and ease.