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About ISACS

The Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) serves more than 240 member schools, offering accreditation services, professional development, and opportunities for networking in thirteen states. Our mission is to lead schools in providing exemplary education. We are committed to fostering and furthering equitable, affirming, safe and just environments for schools and in the ISACS’s workplace. 

ISACS is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in Indiana. The Board of Trustees is comprised of teachers, trustees, and administrators because ISACS values its democratic tradition of teacher representation. Direction of the association, activities and services are the responsibilities of a full-time Executive Director and a nimble office staff. Member school volunteers contribute to professional growth activities, serve on Board committees, and serve on accreditation teams.

From 1908 and looking to the future, ISACS serves independent schools to uplift the educational experience and formation of the next generation.

Mission

ISACS leads schools to pursue exemplary independent education.

Vision

ISACS schools empower all students to contribute and thrive in a diverse and changing world.

Core Values

  • Equity

  • Integrity

  • Continuous Improvement

Statement of Equity & Inclusion

Through accreditation and other services, the Association will require and support the work of each ISACS school to provide an equitable, affirming, safe, and just environment. 

Equity

  • Promoting the health and well-being of all member schools and individuals in their communities, whatever their identity.
  • Moving our schools and our association toward embracing difference while recognizing our commonalities and learning from each other.
  • Promoting respect, the foundation of equity.

Integrity

  • Measuring each school against its success in meeting its own mission.
  • Serving members and making decisions in a manner that is fair, honest, ethical, trustworthy, and based in principle.
  • Developing strategic direction and initiatives in a context of mindfulness of our purpose and “the whole.”

Continuous Improvement

  • Providing a system of accreditation based in institutional selfreflection that facilitates a continuous process for schools to become “their best selves,” well aligned with good practice.
  • Offering resources and services that help schools and individual educators learn and thrive.
  • Using goal setting, data analysis, and reflection as an association to consider and direct our own work.

ISACS By the Numbers

240+

ISACS membership includes more than 240 independent schools.

90K

ISACS schools serve more than 90,000 students.

13

ISACS membership draws independent schools from 13 states.