Independent School Association of Rhode Island

Independent School Association of Rhode Island. The Independent School Association of Rhode Island (ISARI) is a consortium of twelve college-preparatory independent schools within the state. Founded in 1971, it serves to foster collaboration among member institutions, promote professional development for educators, and advocate for the value of independent education in New England. The association is headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island and operates as a 501(c)(3) organization.

History

The association was established in 1971 by a group of leading independent school heads seeking to create a formal network for cooperation and shared standards within Rhode Island. Its formation coincided with a period of significant growth and diversification in American private education following the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Early initiatives focused on standardizing admissions processes and facilitating communication among schools like the Lincoln School and Moses Brown School. Over subsequent decades, ISARI expanded its role, developing shared professional development programs and establishing guidelines that aligned with broader accreditation standards from organizations like the National Association of Independent Schools.

Member schools

ISARI's membership comprises twelve independent, nonprofit, college-preparatory day schools. These institutions are geographically spread across the state and include both single-sex and coeducational models. Notable member schools encompass a range of historical and educational traditions, such as the Wheeler School in Providence, Portsmouth Abbey School in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and St. George's School in Middletown, Rhode Island. Other members include the Gordon School, Rocky Hill Country Day School, and the Community Preparatory School. Each member school maintains its own governance, typically through a board of trustees, and adheres to the association's core principles.

Governance and structure

The governance of ISARI is overseen by a board of directors composed of the heads of its member schools and elected officers. This board sets strategic direction, approves the annual budget, and establishes membership criteria. Day-to-day operations are managed by an appointed Executive Director, who works from the association's offices in Providence, Rhode Island. Key committees, often comprising faculty and administrators from schools like Moses Brown School and the Lincoln School, focus on areas such as academic affairs, equity and inclusion, and professional development. The structure is designed to be collaborative, ensuring all member institutions have a voice in the association's initiatives and policies.

Activities and programs

ISARI organizes a wide array of activities and programs aimed at students, faculty, and administrators across its member schools. A central focus is professional development, with workshops and conferences often held at locations like the Wheeler School or Portsmouth Abbey School, covering topics from curriculum innovation to social-emotional learning. The association also facilitates interscholastic academic competitions, arts festivals, and athletic events. Furthermore, ISARI runs collaborative programs for students, including community service initiatives, model United Nations conferences, and leadership symposia, fostering connections beyond individual school campuses.

Affiliations and accreditation

The association maintains formal affiliations with several regional and national educational organizations to bolster its standards and resources. ISARI is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and follows its principles of good practice. While ISARI itself is not an accrediting body, its membership criteria are designed to align with the accreditation standards of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), to which all member schools belong. The association also collaborates with other regional groups like the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE) on broader initiatives affecting independent education in the Northeastern United States.

Category:Educational associations in the United States Category:Organizations based in Providence, Rhode Island Category:Private schools in Rhode Island Category:1971 establishments in Rhode Island