Canadian Accredited Independent Schools

History

Canadian Association of Independent Schools

The Canadian Association of Independent Schools (also known as CAIS) was established in 1981 as a national network for member schools supporting collaborative initiatives in leadership, education, management and governance. Its activities included organizing, co-ordinating, and facilitating conferences, benchmarking, senior management compensation surveys, and advocacy.

Canadian Educational Standards Institute

In parallel, the Canadian Educational Standards Institute (CESI) was established in 1986 as an organization to develop and promote educational excellence and school improvement in independent schools. Its key activities were to establish national standards or best practices and accreditation process, conduct 10 accreditation visits per year, and research professional development.

New organization

In October 2009, a vote was held at a combined annual general meeting for CAIS and CESI to create a new national organization. After consultation with the membership, a new organization was formed and named Standards in Excellence and Learning (SEAL Canada). However, in February 2011, the organization changed its name to Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS).

CAIS accredited schools

CAIS encompasses 90 accredited independent schools, and its aim is to collaborate in the pursuit of leadership training, research and international standards of educational excellence. The stated vision of the organization is to be "Leaders in education, shaping the future of a courageous, compassionate world." According to the CAIS website, there are two CAIS-accredited schools in Bermuda.