Membership Applications 

• Overview
• PNAIS School Visit and Approval Process
• Obligations of PNAIS Membership
• PNAIS Application Process
• Supporting Materials to Be Submitted to PNAIS
• Download Application Materials

Overview
Schools seeking accreditation though PNAIS may apply for one of three affiliation categories (Candidate Member, Subscriber School, Founder School) as outlined in our Membership Affiliations and Benefits of Membership chart.  The appropriate category for the school will be determined based upon the school’s application material, an on-site assessment of the school by the PNAIS Executive Director, discussions with the school's Head and representative board members about the school’s stage of development and the school’s commitment to meet the obligations of PNAIS membership.  

Schools who will not pursue accreditation but are interested in raising the visibility of their institution and benefiting from all that PNAIS has to offer may apply as an Affiliate School.  An on-site assessment of the school by the PNAIS Executive Director is required for this level of affiliation.

PNAIS School Visit and Approval Process
The PNAIS Executive Director’s visit to the school will focus on the following aspects:

1. mission and philosophy
2. institutional leadership and administrative organization
3. financial viability and sustainability
4. faculty and overall program
5. admissions policy
6. physical plant
7. commitment to PNAIS core values
8. compliance with PNAIS essential characteristics

If, in the view of PNAIS Executive Director, the applicant school is in the earliest stages of its development, the Executive Director may approve the school as either a Founder School or as a Subscriber School, each of which is a non-member category of affiliation.  This designation would be shared with the school at the conclusion of the visit.

If, in the view of PNAIS Executive Director, the applicant school has the capacity to meet the PNAIS Major Standards within a five-year period, the Executive Director will bring a recommendation of Candidate Membership before the PNAIS Board of Governors for its approval.


Obligations of PNAIS Membership

1. Submission of the PNAIS Annual Report, which illustrates the school’s commitment to on-going school improvement, by October 1 of each year (Affiliate Schools are exempt).
2. Submission of key school statistical data through the Stats Online program of the National Association of Independent Schools (Accredited, Candidate Members and Subscriber Schools only)
3. Provide annual update on key school personnel for inclusion in the PNAIS School and Staff Directory
4. All Accredited and Candidate Member schools are required to be represented at the Fall and Spring Heads Meetings.  Travel expenses to and from the meeting are shared equally among members via the Association's Travel Share Policy.
5. Annual Dues are determined by a formula based upon a school's operating expenses.  Statements are sent out the last week of June and are due upon receipt.  To determine your schools dues, download the PNAIS Association Dues and Travel Policy.  

PNAIS Application Process

1. Download and submit the Application for PNAIS Affiliation via e.mail to ;
2. Call the PNAIS office at 206.323.6137 to schedule a time for the PNAIS Executive Director to visit your school;
3. Mail the supporting materials listed below and a check for the amount of $200 payable to "PNAIS" at least one week prior to the PNAIS Executive Director's visit to your school to: PNAIS c/o Donald Stone, 5001 California Ave. SW (Ste. 112), Seattle, WA 98136

Supporting Materials to Be Submitted to PNAIS

1. Copies of the bylaws, articles of incorporation or constitution;

2. A roster of trustees, directors or other governing bodies. A copy of the agenda and minutes from the school’s two most recent board meetings.  A copy of the school’s strategic plan or major planning document, if applicable;

3. A copy of the previous year’s budget and year-end actuals. A copy of the current academic year budget;

4. Candidate Member applicants must submit a full, independent, opinion-level audit for a fiscal year ending within 18 months of the date of the application and a plan indicating how the school will address issues raised in the management letter;
   
5. A list of faculty including position and degrees;

6. A statistical breakdown of enrollment (by grade, gender, and race) and financial aid and tuition remission awards (by grade);

7. Sample admissions packet.  If this packet does not include an overview of the school's curriculum, please send this as well;

8. Assessment of the school’s development in relation to the PNAIS Standards of Accreditation (see PNAIS Major Standards and Good Practices Leading to and Maintaining of Accreditation Chart).
  This assessment is usually completed by the Head of School and/or administrative team.

  Application for PNAIS Affiliation

  Membership Affiliations and Benefits of Membership

  PNAIS Major Standards and Good Practices Leading to and
           Maintaining of Accreditation Chart

   PNAIS Association Dues and Travel Policy