Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) is the state association serving over
120 independent schools across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in Delaware.
Our diverse membership includes single sex and coed schools, religiously affiliated schools,
schools for children with learning differences, small and large day and boarding schools.
PAIS offers services which strengthen member schools, including collaborative dialogues
on important school issues, professional development programs, vital communication on
governmental affairs as well as advocacy, and a rigorous accreditation process. The PAIS
accreditation process efficiently ensures compliance to vital standards, while also
enabling a school to focus on a plan for its strategic future in such areas as student learning,
diversity, equity and inclusion, social and emotional learning, and community engagement.
120 independent schools across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in Delaware.
Our diverse membership includes single sex and coed schools, religiously affiliated schools,
schools for children with learning differences, small and large day and boarding schools.
PAIS offers services which strengthen member schools, including collaborative dialogues
on important school issues, professional development programs, vital communication on
governmental affairs as well as advocacy, and a rigorous accreditation process. The PAIS
accreditation process efficiently ensures compliance to vital standards, while also
enabling a school to focus on a plan for its strategic future in such areas as student learning,
diversity, equity and inclusion, social and emotional learning, and community engagement.
PAIS is committed to a highly valued menu of services that support and empower our member schools.
We guide our members through an adaptive, strategic accreditation process; we advocate for
independent schools; and we cultivate a warm, professional association where vibrant exchange inspires
educators to deliver programs rooted in best practices.
Membership in PAIS is a commitment to contribute to the betterment of our fellow member schools.
Therefore, when a school is accepted as a member of PAIS, it not only means a commitment to
participate and contribute to the accreditation process and professional learning programs,
but it also means adherence to our membership and accreditation standards, as well as acknowledgment of
and aspiration to fulfill the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Principles of Good Practice.