Independent Schools of Saint Louis

Membership Criteria for Schools

To qualify for full membership with Independent Schools of St. Louis (ISSL), schools must meet the following standards:

Accreditation: Schools must be accredited by one of the following organizations or approved by the ISSL Board of Trustees:

  • Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
  • Cognia (formerly AdvancED)
  • American Montessori Society (AMS)
  • Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)
  • Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA)

Non-Profit Status: Schools must be designated as a 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS.

Governance: Schools must be governed by a Board of Trustees.

Operational Status: Schools must be operational at the time of application.

Academic Program: Schools must offer an academic program that serves at least three successive grades within the PreK-12 range.

Nondiscrimination Policy: Schools must have a published statement of nondiscrimination regarding admission and employment.

These standards ensure that all full membership schools in ISSL uphold high educational and operational standards, fostering excellence and inclusivity in independent education.

For more information, please contact our Executive Director, Jamie Driver.