| The Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington | |
| Abbreviation: | AISGW |
| Established: | 1951 |
| Type: | Non Governmental Organization |
| Purpose: | K–12 education |
| Website: | www.aisgw.org |
The Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW) is an association of 75 independent schools located in the District of Columbia and metropolitan Washington, D.C. areas in Virginia and Maryland. More than 30,000 students attend these member schools in grades pre-K through high school.
Founded in 1951, AISGW member schools include co-ed schools as well as boys- and girls-only programs. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a staff of three full-time employees, AISGW serves as a resource for member schools and families seeking to learn more[1] about independent education and the educational options provided by its member schools.
The mission of AISGW is to advance the collective interests of member schools in the capital region by promoting high professional standards and exemplary practices, encouraging cooperative endeavors, enhancing member schools' standing in the community, and safeguarding their independence.
AISGW provides advocacy[2] for its member schools, both on legislative and regulatory issues and to the public in advocating and communicating the benefits of an independent school education. The Association also provides tools[3] for schools to use, opportunities for networking and professional development for administrators and school leaders, sponsors recruiting fairs,[4] and provides educational benefits[5] for member schools and their faculty and staff.
The Association manages a job bank where it lists open positions at its member schools and provides yearly statistical analysis of trends[6] in enrollment, tuition, and other topics.
Membership is available to independent, 501(c)(3) schools within the AISGW service area who have independent boards of trustees and independent finances, are accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting board (i.e. Virginia Association of Independent Schools, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Independent Schools of Maryland and DC, the Southern Association of Independent Schools, and have been in operation for 36 consecutive months. Provisional memberships are also available.
District of Columbia
Maryland
Virginia