Essential Characteristics of NWAIS Schools

As nonprofit organizations under the IRS code 501(c) (3), NWAIS schools must provide for the public good. We expect schools to accomplish this by offering an independent educational option for a wide variety of families and by giving back to their community through service, economic development, organizational citizenship, and providing models of quality organizations, curriculum and instruction.

Success of NWAIS schools is secured through governance structures that provide fiduciary responsibility and strategic oversight, the goal of which is long term viability. These structures work in partnership with an administrative structure that effectively manages the daily operation of the organization, ensuring the sustainability of the school for faculty, staff, and families.

NWAIS only accredits schools whose primary focus is academic education. In addition, the Association only accredits schools in their entirety; it does not accredit parts of school programs. The mission, philosophy, and goals of our schools articulate a commitment to academic preparation; ensuring students are inspired toward and prepared for subsequent educational opportunities. This requires NWAIS schools to create relevant and current curricula, with pedagogies based on present understanding of learning. NWAIS does not accredit schools whose primary focus is therapeutic, wilderness based, or athletic. NWAIS schools prepare students for pursuit of future educational opportunities.

NWAIS schools demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the best interests of the students and families they serve. This includes commitments to the long term sustainability of the school; providing the continuity of educational experience through to the graduation of the child; promoting a safe and inclusive community; adequate resources for advising and counseling of students at their developmental age; and comprehensive programming for residential programs in schools that have them.

NWAIS embraces the value diversity brings to our communities. Schools encourage diversity of thought and critical inquiry while respecting each person’s identity and perspective. Therefore, we expect member schools to admit students without considering race, color, religion, disability that can be reasonably accommodated, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, or other legally protected status in admission. Similarly, member schools must seek individuals for employment regardless of race, color, religion, disability that can be reasonably accommodated, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, or other legally protected status. Employment policies and practices should enforce these same principles.

Our communities better honor and support their students and missions through the adoption of and adherence to these policies. These policies are expectations for membership and re- accreditation. NWAIS accredits only schools that consider all candidates for admission or employment who identify as a member of or as an adherent to a school’s mission, without disqualification based on any of the aforementioned items. Furthermore, no school receives a blanket exemption to this requirement.

A school may apply for a narrow allowance to these standards. As part of that application, the school must demonstrate bona fide efforts to meet the NWAIS standard for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.