Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)

The Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), founded in 1908, is a not-for-profit organization based out of Indiana, USA. It serves 240+ member schools, by offering accreditation, professional development, and opportunities for networking in 13 states.

ISACS’s Mission

ISACS is on a mission to lead schools in offering exemplary education. It is committed to fostering and furthering equitable, affirming, just, and safe environments for schools.

ISACS  Membership Categories

The organization categorizes institutions into the following five different categories depending on the membership requirements and standards:

1. Accredited Member: This includes independent schools within the ISACS region that meet membership standards and have completed the accreditation program.

ISACS recognizes and accredits independent schools in the following regions- Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

1. Provisional Member: This category includes independent schools within the ISACS region with a history of successful operation for a minimum of three consecutive years but has yet to be evaluated by ISACS or by an equivalent agency approved by ISACS.

Provisional membership is also accorded to a former fully ISACS-accredited member, who is found no longer fully compliant but is working to return to full compliance.

1. New Schools: The accreditation status of this category is provided to new schools within the ISACS region, which has not been established long enough to qualify for full or provisional membership.

1. New School Services: Since in this category, the schools are still in the planning stages and have not yet enrolled students enrolled or attending,  they are allowed to subscribe to the services of ISACS. They receive help, advice, and research publications and can also attend ISACS events at member rates.

1. Affiliate: This is the last category which includes independent educational institutions that are in independent education service directly or indirectly but do not qualify as independent schools under ISACS member standards. These members receive publications and are also allowed to attend ISACS events at member rates.