The New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), founded in 1947, is an association of 188 independent schools, ranging from nursery to high schools. In 2012, its member schools enrolled approximately 78,000 students. It was originally established, "to protect independent schools from obstructive legislation and regulation". NYSAIS accredits its member schools, provides professional development,and works with community leaders to support the needs and interests of independent schools throughout the state. Under the NYSAIS umbrella, the New York State Association of Independent Schools Athletic Association (NYSAISAA) is a sports league for independent schools in New York State. It is overseen by the Athletic Executive Committee (AEC) as well as the NYSAIS Board of Trustees. NYSAIS is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) as well the NAIS Commission on Accreditation.
Mission Statement
The New York State Association of Independent Schools promotes the independence, well-being, and public understanding of, and respect for, New York independent schools and serves as an accrediting body chartered by the New York State Board of Regents.
NYSAIS Organizational Principles
In order to accomplish its mission, the New York State Association of Independent Schools: ● Establishes the criteria which reflect the values and best educational practices for evaluating and accrediting member schools. ● Promotes professional growth of teachers, administrators, and trustees through workshops, conferences, and exchanges. ● Informs and counsels the leadership at member schools in matters of legislation and regulation. ● Facilitates the development of cooperative projects among member schools and between member schools and public schools. ● Fosters mutually beneficial relations with the New York State Education Department, the National Association of Independent Schools, other educational associations, and the general public. ● Informs member schools about significant practices and developments in independent education. ● Provides such other services as will benefit the member schools and the communities they serve.
The current NYSAIS Executive Director is Mark W. Lauria. He is supported by a staff that includes Barbara Swanson (Associate Director for Professional Development), Lois S. Bailey (Associate Director for Evaluation and Accreditation), Judith Sheridan (Assistant Director for Evaluation and Accreditation), Maria Flores (Administrative Coordinator for Communications and Operations), Diana Wahrlich (Finance Director), and Andrew S. Cooke (Technology Coordinator). The NYSAIS main office is located at 17 Elk Street in Albany, New York 12207.
The business and affairs of NYSAIS are managed by a Board of Trustees. Stephen H. Watters serves as the President of the Board. The accreditation of the NYSAIS schools is overseen by the NYSAIS Commission on Accreditation which is chair by William G. Morris, Jr.
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