Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) is a non-profit, voluntary membership association of schools within the state of Virginia. The VAIS is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. Prior to its establishment in Charlottesville, Virginia on April 30, 1973, a small number of independent schools’ headmasters known as “The Baker’s Dozen” met informally, teachers at their independent schools held conferences, and development coordinators hosted their own meetings to discuss commonly held educational issues. While the Virginia State Department of Education accredits independent and other nonpublic pre-school, elementary and secondary schools via the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE), the VAIS is a service organization that promotes educational, ethical and professional excellence.
According to their website, "the stated purposes of the Association have been to promote the well-being of and public regard for independent schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia; to safeguard the interests of these schools in matters of legislation and regulation; to act as an evaluating and accrediting organization for independent schools in Virginia; to foster mutually beneficial relations with the Virginia State Department of Education and other educational agencies; to assist member schools in maintaining standards of excellence; to encourage activities and to exchange information about new methodologies and practices; and to provide community service and leadership."
VAIS members are not only located all across the state, but also the list comprises all grade levels, and both secular and religious schools.
Broadwater Academy
Brunswick Academy
Cape Henry Collegiate School
Chesapeake Bay Academy
Christopher Academy
Hampton Roads Academy
Hebrew Academy of Tidewater
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy
Norfolk Academy
Norfolk Christian Schools
Norfolk Collegiate School
Southampton Academy
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Tidewater Academy
Virginia Beach Friends School
The Williams School
Alexandria Country Day
Browne Academy
Burgundy Farm Country Day School
Commonwealth Academy
Episcopal High School
Flint Hill School
Gesher Jewish Day School
Grace Episcopal School
Green Hedges School
The Langley School
Linton Hall School
The Madeira School
The Potomac School
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School
Virginia Episcopal School
Trinity School at Meadow View
Westminster School
Foxcroft School
Fredericksburg Academy
Highland School
The Hill School
Loudoun Country Day School
Massanutten Military Academy
Middleburg Academy
Powhatan School
Randolph-Macon Academy
Saint James’ Episcopal School
Wakefield School
Anna Julia Cooper School
Aylett Country Day School
Benedictine College Preparatory
Chesapeake Academy
Christchurch School
Collegiate School
Good Shepherd Episcopal School
Millwood School
The New Community School
Orchard House School
Richmond Montessori School
Rudlin Torah Academy
Sabot at Stony Point
Saint Gertrude High School
St. Andrew's School
St. Catherine's School
St. Christopher's School
St. Margaret's School
St. Michael's Episcopal School
The Steward School
Trinity Episcopal High School
Ware Academy
Carlisle School
Chatham Hall
Hargrave Military Academy
James River Day School
New Vistas School
North Cross School
Oak Hill Academy
Sullins Academy
Virginia Episcopal School
Blue Ridge School
The Covenant School
Eastern Mennonite School
Fishburne Military School
Fork Union Military Academy
Fuqua School
Grymes Memorial School
The Miller School of Albemarle
Mountaintop Montessori School
St. Anne's-Belfield School
Stuart Hall School
Tandem Friends School
Woodberry Forest School
