Essential Characteristics of PNAIS Schools

In order to assist schools in fulfilling their commitment to provide children a high-quality educational experience, we believe that schools that are mission-appropriate for the Association support the mission and core values of the Association and abide by the following essential characteristics for PNAIS schools:

• Commitment to the Public Good
• Effective Governance and Operations
• Physical Location or Place
• Primary Focus of Academic Education
• Commitment to the Best Interests of Children

Commitment to the Public Good
As not-for-profit organizations under the IRS code 501(c) (3), PNAIS schools must provide for the public good.  We expect schools to accomplish this by offering an independent educational option for a wide variety of families and by giving back to their community through service, economic development, and providing models of quality organizations, curriculum and instruction. 

Effective Governance and Operations
Success of PNAIS schools is secured through governance structures that provide fiduciary responsibility and strategic oversight, the goal of which is long term viability. These structures work in partnership with an administrative structure that effectively manages the daily operation of the organization, ensuring the sustainability of the school for faculty, staff, and families.

Physical Location or Place
Top educational opportunities and experiences for elementary and secondary children are grounded in teacher-student interactions. To this end, we expect schools to have a campus where students are able to frequently and meaningfully interact with adults and peers.

Primary Focus of Academic Education
PNAIS only accredits schools whose primary focus is academic education. In addition, the Association only accredits schools in their entirety; it does not accredit parts of school programs. The mission, philosophy, and goals of our schools articulate a commitment to academic preparation; ensuring students are inspired toward and prepared for subsequent educational opportunities. This requires PNAIS schools to create relevant and current curricula, with pedagogies based on present understanding of learning. PNAIS does not accredit schools whose primary focus is therapeutic, wilderness based, or athletic. PNAIS schools prepare students for pursuit of future educational opportunities.

Commitment to the Best Interests of Children
PNAIS schools demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the best interests of the students and families they serve. This includes commitments to the long term sustainability of the school; providing the continuity of educational experience through to the graduation of the child; promoting a safe and inclusive community; adequate resources for advising and counseling of students at their developmental age; and comprehensive programming for residential programs in schools that have them.