ACIS Definition of an Independent School

Independent schools belonging to ACIS share certain fundamental characteristics of purpose, structure, and operation. Member schools comply with ACIS accreditation standards and:

1. Are not-for-profit organizations.
2. Are autonomous organizations with sound governance principles substantially free from governmental control.
3. Have clearly stated educational goals that are observable in the school program and which guide school decision making.
4. Have non-discriminatory policies in admissions and employment.
5. Have an individually developed mission and philosophy focusing on sound educational outcomes.
6. Have an organizational structure that includes at least two separate entities, which carry out the separate functions of governance and day-to-day management. The structure provides for oversight and planning adequate to sustain the school’s mission and vision. It also provides for institutional decision-making based upon a system of checks and balances that assures the school’s long term viability.
7. Are committed to continuous institutional growth and quality manifested by full participation in the rigorous and comprehensive evaluation and accreditation process of ACIS.
8. Have a climate and culture that reflects a commitment to the teaching of critical reasoning and independent thinking, with an equitable, just, and inclusive school community that embraces the value of diverse races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, and religious beliefs.
9. Educates students in preschool to twelfth grade, or a portion of grades therein.

The freedom and accountability embodied within these concepts of the independent school are the source of independent schools' greatest strengths and their most important contribution as a model for education.