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Affiliation Levels and Apply

NWAIS Affiliation Levels

Requirements for all categories of affiliation and membership

To apply for and retain affiliation with or membership in NWAIS, a school or educational program shall:

  • Place the health, safety, and well-being of children above all other interests
  • Be an autonomous organization, substantially free from governmental control, with sound governance structures, policies and practices
  • Have a mission and philosophy that define sound educational goals that are visible in operations and which guide decision-making at all levels
  • Demonstrate commitment to the common good through 501 (c) (3) status (Affiliates may be asked for other demonstrations of this commitment)
  • Pursue Accredited School status (if eligible)
  • Show a commitment to continuous improvement through participation in the association’s professional development programs
  • Have non-discrimination policies in admissions and employment that align with the association’s policies
  • Abide by the association’s Core Values
  • Be financially responsible
  • Educate children in early childhood to grade 12, or divisions thereof

Affiliation vs. Accreditation

NWAIS has several categories of schools and educational programs. Schools apply for affiliation or to join the path to accreditation and are admitted as an affiliate, subscriber or candidate school. Affiliate schools are the only level not eligible for accreditation. All other levels are assessed based on their path to accreditation, and are expected to steadily move forward in the process.

Guidelines for schools progressing toward accreditation

When a school becomes affiliated with NWAIS, it is assigned an affiliation category that is decided based on the findings of a school visit that determines the school’s compliance with NWAIS Core Values, Essential Characteristics, and compliance with NWAIS Standards. The affiliation categories are described below.

Any school moving from one category to another must go through the Association’s normal application process that includes a visit by the NWAIS Executive Director.

Accredited Schools are voting members that have been accredited by the NWAIS Board of Governors upon recommendation of the Accreditation Committee.

To be eligible for consideration of accreditation, schools must:

  • Be incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation
  • Have served as a Candidate Member prior to becoming a Full Member
  • Have operated as an independent pre-school/kindergarten, elementary, or secondary school for at least five (5) consecutive years
  • Adhere to NWAIS criteria of non-discrimination
  • Uphold the Core Values of the association.

Candidate Schools are voting members that are working to meet the standards for full membership and accreditation within five (5) years of its election as a Candidate Member.

To be eligible for consideration of accreditation, schools must:

  • Be incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation
  • Adhere to NWAIS criteria of non-discrimination
  • Uphold the Core Values of the association
  • Meet and adhere to all other applicable requirements for association membership

Apply as a Candidate School

Subscriber Schools are non-voting schools in the earlier stages of development.

To be eligible for consideration of accreditation, schools must:

  • Be incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation
  • Meet the standards for Candidate membership within five (5) years of becoming a Subscriber school
  • Adhere to NWAIS criteria of non-discrimination
  • Uphold the Core Values of the association
  • Meet and adhere to all other applicable requirements for association affiliation

Apply as a Subscriber School

Affiliates are schools or educational programs not meeting all the criteria for full accreditation.

Eligible Programs Must:

  • Adhere to NWAIS criteria of non-discrimination
  • Uphold the core values of the association
  • Meet and adhere to all other applicable requirements for all categories of affiliation or membership.
  • Complete an annual update report to support member engagement and to notify the association of any substantive changes.

Affiliation (non-voting) is available for:

  • Newly founded (five years or less) schools that, when ready, may apply for Subscriber School status
  • Stand-alone early childhood (birth-3 years, pre-school, pre-K/K) programs
  • Independent early childhood, elementary, or secondary schools located outside the association’s region domestically or internationally
  • Non-profit educational programs/organizations that are specialized and may not graduate students or grant degrees
  • Accredited for-profit elementary or secondary schools
  • Online or remote schools that operate without a physical campus

Apply as an Affiliate organization

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