Welcome to the Northwest Association of Independent Schools

When I was figuring out what to do after college, an insightful career counselor suggested I think about working in an independent school. “Sounds cool,” I said. “But what is an independent school?”

Nearly forty years later, after serving independent schools in myriad ways, I’m incredibly fortunate to be the Executive Director of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools. All my experience as an educator, as the spouse of an independent school alum and educator, and as the father of two independent school alumni has deepened my belief in the positive impact of independent school education.

The primary purpose of NWAIS is independent school accreditation within our region. Wherever a member school is in the process, they find it both rigorous and vigorous. Our standards are demanding in their range and depth, the comprehensive demonstrations of success and generative questions, and the necessary self-examination and peer-review. The process also energizes a school community by helping it improve practices while conceiving new possibilities. To support schools even further, NWAIS offers extensive professional development and consulting services. This combination fuels continuous improvement.

More importantly, NWAIS is a vibrant community of schools and educators across a vast region. Our 115 schools are very diverse in nearly every way, from their missions to their sizes to their resources. At the same time, they are rooted in shared values which coalesce in their grasping the power of independent school education. Those roots intertwine as our members exercise mutual respect. They support, exhort, and celebrate each other. In doing so they make

NWAIS is a place where schools can search for answers in a time of massive shifts. We know that in such a world, relationship determines everything.

Ultimately, NWAIS aspires to help each school become a better version of itself so it can do the same for each of its students.Some parts of our programming support those interested in learning about and connecting with our schools, and others are benefits just for our members. We also have resources to help parents locate the right school. Please take a few minutes to explore our website and see how NWAIS can support you, your family, or your school; and contact us if we can be of service.

Mark Crotty, Executive Director

The Northwest Association of Independent Schools is a nonprofit membership association that provides accreditation, professional development and support services to over 110 schools in Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. 

 

Member of  ICAISA