National Leaders Conference
The 2019 National Leaders Post Conference Call for Workshop Proposals are open until December 7. Apply here.
CAIS Standards & Guidelines
Our 12 National Standards are researched, internationally recognized, and cover all areas of program and operation.
A requirement of CAIS membership is that each member must meet all National Standards. These Standards, listed below, are fully outlined in the 2015 CAIS Accreditation Guidelines (for member schools in CAIS Connect). Along with directing leaders through the accreditation process, these guidelines provide schools with a detailed understanding of each Standard and associated indicators of effective practice.
CAIS’ Standards and Procedures are congruent with the internationally accepted criteria and model core standards adopted by the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA).
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Announcements
National Leaders Conference
The 2019 National Leaders Post Conference Call for Workshop Proposals are open until December 7. Apply here.
Strengthen Your School Leadership
CAIS values the constant and deliberate quest for excellence, and we recognize the vital leadership role that governors play, in partnership with Heads, in the success of our schools. We want all of our schools to have strong Heads who focus on supporting the students of the present, but we also want strong Boards that focus on supporting the students of the future.
The Governance Guide include new learning on a number of areas, including Human Resources, Risk Management, Head Transitions, and Consent Agendas.
CAIS members and non-members can purchase a hard copy here. And CAIS members can also view the full PDF in CAIS Connect here.
CAIS National Standards
Vision, Mission, Value & Strategy
The school has clear mission, vision, values and strategy. These statements are understood and accepted by all constituencies: Board, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and students. The statements give direction to the Strategic Plan (including curricular, co-curricular, financial, organizational) to ensure that all facets of school life are in alignment.
Co-Curricular & Learning Environment
The school promotes and acts upon the academic, emotional, physical and social potentials of all its members within an ethical community.
Academic Program
The school’s program is congruent with its mission and strategy; it is based upon an articulated philosophy and research about the ways in which students learn and effective ways to teach them.
School Leadership
The school has an overall administrative organization, which communicates, carries out and supports the school's mission and strategic plan.
Human Resources
The school’s Human Resources strategy is in place to ensure that the people practices and policies support the educational purpose of the school and are aligned with the vision, mission, values and strategies.
School & Community
The constituent relations, communications, and fundraising programs of the school are well planned and effective, both serving the community and engaging them in achieving the school’s mission. As well, the school has established systems and procedures to maintain harmonious relationships with the community in which it exists.
Enrolment Management
The school has defined those qualities that constitute a “mission appropriate” student and has established policies and procedures for enrolment management that ensures that the school is enrolling mission appropriate students.
Governance
The Board’s membership, structure and processes advance the school’s mission, vision and long-term viability; and the Board operates in fiduciary, strategic and generative modes.
Finance
The school’s financial resources and financial planning are adequate to support the school’s mission and to sustain the school’s long-term permanence and strength.
Physical Plant, Health & Safety
The physical plant, grounds and operations of the school support the vision, mission and programs of the school. The school has established and effectively implemented guidelines and procedures that promote a safe and healthy school environment.
Commitment to School Improvement
The school demonstrates a commitment to continuous whole school improvement.
Boarding Program
The Boarding program operates in a way that assures an enriched and extended learning experience for all students.