Accreditation Organizations and Associations

TABS is the only non-profit educational organization exclusively serving boarding schools and students in the U.S. It was formed in 1976 to address enrolment issues. In 2000, TABS became an independent, non-profit organization serving nearly 300 schools. TABS provides comprehensive programs designed to market boarding schools and to maintain healthy and sound residential programs. Free directories are available by calling 800-541-5908.

ACSI accredits schools, certifies teachers and provides conferences for teachers, administrators and board members, serving more than 5,400 schools in 102 countries. Student services include academic and sports activities. ACSI also has products and services at reduced costs, to update member schools on legal matters, provide a teacher listing service and represent member schools with provincial ministries of education.

AWSNA is comprised of independent Waldorf schools and Waldorf teacher education institutes. Based on the teachings of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, Waldorf education is devoted to contributing to spiritual, social and cultural renewal. Ontario schools are also members of the Waldorf School Association of Ontario. www.waldorf.ca

ACIS consists of nine independent schools in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and provides a forum for promoting best practices, interschool athletic competitions and faculty and student development.

Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) is the new national voice for Canadian independent schools, and is the preeminent organization of accredited independent schools in Canada dedicated to educational excellence and organizational leadership.

The CCMA encourages the development of member schools' programs toward Montessori ideals. An evaluation process has member schools share their delivery of Montessori education with knowledgeable peers to provide validation and to examine their own processes and objectives critically. An evaluation team visits the school, confirming that the process has been completed. Schools are then designated accredited. This entire process ensures that all CCMA members have qualifying programs and meet the standards and criteria established by council.

CESI was founded to promote high educational standards while recognizing the independence and integrity of each accredited school. CESI is an internationally recognized accrediting body for Canadian independent schools, promoting high education standards through rigorous accreditation. Member schools must have five years' experience and are regularly evaluated. CESI's standards cover mission and objectives, values, discipline, academic and extracurricular programs, organization, administration, personnel, school and community, admissions, governance, financial management and physical plant.

An educational organization serving Christian schools with products and services rooted in the Reformed tradition of Christian theology. Contact 800-635-8288 or www.csionline.org.

CIS is a membership association that provides a collegial forum for the promotion of excellence among its member schools. The program of study at CIS schools is designed to prepare students for entrance into post-secondary educational institutions. CIS member schools must have a governing body (board of directors) that operates at arm's length from the administration of the school.

Founded in May 2002 at a meeting of educators in public, Catholic and independent schools from across the province, the council is directed by executive officers representing the various types of member schools.

FEEP members number 160 schools in Quebec with more than 92,000 students. The federation supports the development of its members by promoting private education.

A British Columbia Federation for independent schools acting as spokesperson for, and a liaison between, schools and the provincial government, and other educational institutions.

The Independent Schools Association of British Columbia (ISABC) welcomes 11,500 students annually at 22 member schools. ISABC has a long standing tradition of providing outstanding learning experiences for young people of British Columbia and beyond.

IBO, founded in 1968, is a non-profit foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland. Its purpose is to establish an internationally accepted common curriculum and university entry credentials. The IBO offers schools three programs - the Diploma Program for students in the final two years of secondary school, the Middle Years for students aged 11 to 16, and the Primary Years for students aged 3 to 12. It has 1,464 schools participating in 113 countries.

The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) is a voluntary membership organization for more than 1,300 independent schools and associations in the United States and internationally.

The OACS is the oldest (1952) and largest independent school organization in Canada. It represents a Christian education community in Eastern Canada of 79 schools and 14,000 students. www.oacs.org

NALS is committed to the improvement of education through the development of innovative ideas in research, curriculum, clinical experiences and in-service training in an experimental environment.

Established in 1974, OFIS represents all types of independent schools, including religious, alternative methods, special needs, community-based and home-schooling. Membership is open to those who support freedom of choice in education. School membership is open to independent schools in Ontario.

The Quebec Association of Independent Schools is an organization consisting of 25 English non-profit elementary and secondary independent schools licensed in the public interest and located in Quebec, Canada.

Round Square is a worldwide association of schools which share a commitment, beyond academic excellence, to personal development and responsibility through service, challenge, adventure and international understanding.

Spectra is partners in specialized education, supporting each child's individual needs.

Excellent resource to help find private, independent and boarding schools in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.