Become a Member

Members are both partners and friends. We offer schools, school leaders, faculty, and staff a helping hand, an open ear, and a warm heart.

Membership in NCAIS demonstrates a school’s commitment to high standards and is recognized nationally as an indicator of excellence. Membership is open to independent schools across the state that meet the requirements for membership outlined below. Scroll down to access our online application or contact us if you have questions.

School Member

Active School Membership
Active Membership confers the right to vote in the affairs of the Corporation. To be eligible for Active Membership, a school must:

  • Be an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3), academic school located in North Carolina
  • Have been in operation at least 2 years
  • Be non-discriminatory in its admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, educational policies, and athletic and other school-administered programs
  • Conduct elementary and/or secondary school classes
  • Be accredited by one of the following:
    • Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)
    • Cognia
    • Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)

*If you are accredited by another accrediting organization that is affiliated with one of the above or follows a similarly rigorous process, please contact us for special consideration.

Provisional School Membership
Provisional Membership is a special non-voting category for schools working toward accreditation by an approved agency. To be eligible for Provisional Membership, a school must:

  • Meet all of the qualifications for active membership except for full accreditation
  • Be actively working toward accreditation by one of the three approved accrediting agencies

Obtain full accreditation within three years of membership date.  Additional financial documentation may be required for consideration.  Any school entering into membership under this category must be reviewed by the Board every five years and submit updated information as requested.

Out-of-State Affiliate Membership
Affiliate Membership is a special non-voting category for out-of-state schools that meet all accreditation criteria for Active Membership.  Affiliate members will have all rights afforded to Active Members, with the exception of legislative oversight, voting rights, and Board membership.  Affiliate Members will pay dues at 80% of full member dues.

 Join as School Member