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Empowering Schools to Deliver Exceptional Educational Experiences

Empowering Schools to Deliver Exceptional Educational Experiences

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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.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, a shared code of ethics, 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

233 MEMBER SCHOOLS
AND GROWING
93KTOTAL 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
$460MFINANCIAL AID
PER YEAR

All CAIS schools provide financial aid and are committed to building diverse, inclusive communities where every student truly belongs.

Get the Targeted Training and Support You Need

CAIS partners with school leaders to provide the best possible education.

MEMBERSHIP OFFERS:
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An ongoing cycle of accreditation and improvement that keeps schools accountable to, and recognized for, their standards of excellence.
A star in the number 1 spot of a three tier podium.
Professional development for school heads and trustees so they can provide the highest level of leadership.
A lightbulb with a checkmark on the inside and rays on the outside.
Resources, networking opportunities, and individual attention so schools can navigate their biggest challenges with more clarity and ease.