NYSAIS is a voluntary association of
some 180 independent nursery, elementary and secondary schools enrolling
some 78,000 students. It is affiliated with the National Association of
Independent Schools and the New York State Coalition for Independent
and Religious Schools. Founded in 1947, the Association is incorporated
under New York State Education Law and is non-profit and federally tax
exempt.
Established
originally to protect independent schools from obstructive legislation
and regulation, the Association has added substantially to the range of
its activities since its founding. These activities include:
- advocacy for independent education
- evaluation and accreditation of member schools
- professional development for faculty, administrators, and trustees
- legal and institutional counsel
- information on legislation, regulations, statistics, educational developments, and administrative practice
The affairs of
the Association are overseen by an executive director and a board of
trustees comprised of current heads and trustees of NYSAIS schools and
elected by the membership at an annual meeting.
Regular membership in the
Association is open to non-profit independent, nursery, elementary, and
secondary schools, and to non-profit associations concerned with
independent education. Associate membership is available to certain
other private or quasi-private educational institutions.
