In the landscape of North Carolina's educational sector, the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools offers crucial support to a diverse array of independent schools across the state. Founded in 1970 by a small consortium of independent schools, NCAIS has since grown into a vital resource, nurturing a network of around 90 schools, according to Executive Director Stephanie Keaney.

The educational ecosystem in North Carolina is divided into two main categories: public and non-public schools. While public schools fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Instruction, non-public schools, including home, private, and boarding schools, operate independently.

With approximately 900 private schools registered in the state, representing one tenth of the state’s schools and about 20% of the state’s students, NCAIS has a mission to help these types of schools achieve their mission. 

“We have such a wide variety of schools, and they are all mission-driven,” Keaney said. “They all have great projects or new initiatives, but it’s hard to pick up on trends because they are all so different. One thing that is noticeable is that since COVID was an incubator for people to try new things in many ways, it’s been fun to see what has stuck around and taken off. Many schools have expanded their technology use, but it’s hard to paint big strokes for all of these schools because they are all so unique.”

Membership in NCAIS is entirely voluntary and is contingent upon meeting specific criteria, including nonprofit status, independent governance, and accreditation. Through professional development initiatives, NCAIS equips educators, administrators, and stakeholders with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively navigate the evolving educational landscape.

Offering collaboration opportunities with thought partners across the state relieves pressure from leaders of independent schools.

“Building a community of school leaders gives them someone to call when they have questions or new ideas,” Keaney said. “Things don’t happen in a vacuum, so it’s nice to have the ability to reach out beyond your school’s borders.”

Advocacy forms another pillar of NCAIS's mission, as it engages with policymakers to ensure that legislative decisions align with the needs and values of independent schools. Recent expansions in educational funding, such as the Opportunity Scholarship program, have sparked dialogue and action within the educational community, with NCAIS representing the interests of its member schools, discussing the ripple effects certain legislation can have, and sharing important updates with its members.

“Members are realizing the importance of being a part of a community that has a similar mission,” Keaney said. “I’ve been here for nearly 14 years and membership has stayed fairly steady, but we’ve seen some growth this year. I think as they see policies changing in Raleigh and the expansion of the Opportunity Scholarship and other initiatives, they’re excited to be part of our voice in Raleigh as changes are being made.”

While Keaney believes public schools are working hard to educate NC’s students, learning styles vary. Funding for schools and financial support for students’ tuition offers families the chance to find the best fit for their children by providing the ability to place them in a specialized education center that is able to best meet their needs.

This variety and the increasing support for families to choose the schools and missions that align with their children provides a hidden benefit to the state. As NC draws in companies to do business here, their leadership and employees may find the best education easily available for their families. 

“Schools are definitely part of the conversation when folks consider relocating to North Carolina,” Keaney said. “We do employ a good number of educators and administrators in our independent schools, but this also impacts employment for other companies. Parents deciding where to send their students is an incredibly personal decision. The ability to look at all of the education options in their area and determine their own best fit gives parents the confidence they are able to send their child someplace they feel they feel known, valued, and safe.”