About Us

Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) is an association of the best independent schools in Canada all of which meet the highest international standards of educational excellence.

CAIS is a national organization for independent schools and is recognized internationally as the standard of excellence in education and whole school improvement.

All schools undergo a rigorous CAIS National Standards accreditation process, which ensures that all accredited independent schools pursue best practices in every major area of program and operation. CAIS represents the best boarding schools in Canada and has a worldwide reputation for providing students with the essential skills required to be successful in today’s shifting global economy.

Whether they are large or small, located in a city or the countryside, all CAIS schools provide students with an elementary and secondary school education recognized for its superior quality by the best colleges and universities around the globe.

CAIS Vision, Mission & Values

CAIS Vision, Mission & Values

CAIS Vision

Leaders in education, the shaping of a courageous, compassionate world.

CAIS Mission

Continual school improvement through the advancement of standards, support and a strong Canadian network.

CAIS Values

Community: We believe we are stronger when we come together to learn from and help one another.
Leading: We believe we have a responsibility to be bold - living our vision of a courageous, compassionate world.
Learning: We believe learning is at the heart of all we do. Continual whole school improvement leads to better outcomes for students.
Global Perspective: We believe looking beyond ourselves allows us to appreciate our differences and become stronger as a collective. We seek new ideas, promote diversity and lead in a changing world.

CAIS Accreditation: Peace of Mind for your Family

CAIS Accreditation: Peace of Mind for your Family

The accreditation process of Canadian Independent Schools, gives families - both current and prospective - the confidence that CAIS schools are truly 'the best of the best' and rank within the best boarding schools in Canada.

Education is provincially mandated in Canada, and as such, CAIS schools must meet Ministry of Education requirements.

Member schools must adhere to the CAIS National Standards and Procedures which are congruent with the internationally accepted criteria and model core standards adopted by the NAIS International Commission on Accreditation. These standards are updated annually based on current research into exceptional practices. The Standards Council of the Board reviews and approves all changes to the Accreditation Guidelines on an ongoing basis, ensuring CAIS schools remain at the forefront of the education sphere.

Benefits of Accreditation

The importance of CAIS accreditation cannot be understated.

Promotes a reflective and collaborative school improvement process;
Provides school leaders with validation of current programs and services and suggested planning for future growth and development;
Provides educators with valuable professional development and information about effective practices in other schools through participation and peer review teams;
Eases the transition students face as they move from one internationally accredited school to another;
Assures parents and the public that the school is focused on providing a safe and enriching learning environment while maintaining an efficient and effective operation.

Canadian Boarding Collective (CBC)

Canadian Boarding Collective (CBC)

The Canadian Boarding Collective (CBC) is a membership of the 29 CAIS boarding schools, all committed to working together to do what individual schools cannot do alone, with the goal to develop and grow the capacity and capabilities of this collective and its members.

Through strategic directions, the CBC continuously demonstrates the benefits of collaboration and participation and strengthens and grows trust in the power of the collective.

Differences between Private Schools and Independent Schools

The main differences between Canadian Private Schools and Independent Schools are management of school and management of finances.

Private Schools are understood to be for-profit organizations. Private Schools are owned and managed by an owner(s) or a corporation. It is that owner or corporation that decides on where funding goes and/or is used.

Independent Schools are understood to be not-for-profit organizations. Independent Schools are lead by a Head of School and overseen by a Board of Directors. School tuition fees are required for the daily operations of the school.

In Canada, depending on the province in which an independent school is located, they may receive some funding from their provincial government. Oftentimes they are also affiliated with an accrediting body.

95 Independent Schools in Canada are members of Canadian Accredited Independent Schools.

Both Canadian Private Schools and Independent Schools are alternatives to Public Schools.

CAIS Boarding Schools

Browse the 29 schools to learn more about the best boarding schools in Canada and to explore their diverse and extensive list of offerings. Discover which dynamic school is the perfect fit for you.

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