Independent School Association of the Central States

Independent School Association of the Central States is a non-profit organization that serves as a voluntary association of independent schools in the Midwestern United States. The organization was founded in 1908 by a group of educators from University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and University of Michigan. The association's early members included Lake Forest Academy, Cranbrook Schools, and Shattuck-Saint Mary's, and it has since grown to include over 200 member schools, such as Francis W. Parker School, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, and Latin School of Chicago. The organization is affiliated with the National Association of Independent Schools and works closely with other regional associations, including the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

● History

The Independent School Association of the Central States has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, with founding members including Head-Royce School, The Blake School, and The Breck School. The organization was established to promote the interests of independent schools in the region and to provide a forum for educators to share best practices and ideas. Over the years, the association has hosted numerous conferences and workshops, featuring speakers such as Diane Ravitch, Alfie Kohn, and Howard Gardner. The organization has also worked closely with other educational organizations, including the National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the American Montessori Society. Member schools, such as The Cambridge School of Weston and The Derryfield School, have benefited from the association's resources and networking opportunities.

● Membership

Membership in the Independent School Association of the Central States is open to independent schools in the Midwestern United States, including schools in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Member schools include The Lawrenceville School, The Hill School, and The Hotchkiss School, as well as The Thacher School, The Webb Schools, and The Madeira School. The association also has a number of international member schools, including The American School in London and The International School of Brussels. Members of the association benefit from access to professional development opportunities, such as the National Association of Independent Schools annual conference, and networking events, including the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest annual meeting. The association also provides resources and support for member schools, including The National Center for Education Statistics and The National Association of College Admission Counselors.

● Accreditation

The Independent School Association of the Central States is recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The association's accreditation process is designed to ensure that member schools meet high standards of quality and excellence, and includes a rigorous self-study and peer review process. Schools that have undergone the accreditation process include The Dalton School, The Packer Collegiate Institute, and The Berkeley Carroll School, as well as The Spence School and The Nightingale-Bamford School. The association's accreditation is recognized by other regional accrediting agencies, including the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The association also works closely with other accrediting agencies, including the American Montessori Society and the International Baccalaureate Organization.

● Governance

The Independent School Association of the Central States is governed by a board of trustees composed of educators and administrators from member schools, including The Head-Royce School, The Blake School, and The Breck School. The board is responsible for setting the association's strategic direction and overseeing its operations, and includes representatives from schools such as The Cambridge School of Weston and The Derryfield School. The association also has a number of committees and task forces, including a professional development committee and a public policy committee, which are composed of members from schools such as The Lawrenceville School and The Hill School. The association's executive director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization and works closely with other educational leaders, including the National Association of Independent Schools and the Council for American Private Education.

● Member Schools

The Independent School Association of the Central States has over 200 member schools, including University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Francis W. Parker School, and Latin School of Chicago. Other member schools include Cranbrook Schools, Shattuck-Saint Mary's, and Lake Forest Academy, as well as The Thacher School, The Webb Schools, and The Madeira School. The association's member schools are located throughout the Midwestern United States and offer a range of educational programs, including International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses. Many of the association's member schools are also members of other regional and national organizations, including the National Association of Independent Schools and the Council for American Private Education. The association's member schools have a long history of academic excellence and have produced notable alumni, including Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Rahm Emanuel, who attended schools such as The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and The Francis W. Parker School.