Advocacy and Legislation

When the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) was founded by a small group of independent private school leaders in 1954, maintaining independence was of utmost importance to those founders. That is still true today. 

Traditionally, independent schools establish their own philosophies, standards, and programs. They develop their own levels for academic achievement, guidelines for discipline, and in some cases, religious commitment. In keeping with that tradition, FCIS communicates the concerns and viewpoints of independent education to the broader community.

To further this goal, FCIS is a member association of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and an affiliate of the Council of American Private Education (CAPE). To promote a voice for private schools within the state of Florida, FCIS stands as founding member of the Florida Association of Academic Nonpublic Schools (FAANS) and employs a lobbyist to represent the voice of independent schools in the Florida Legislature. In addition, FCIS maintains an active presence at state meetings of the Board of Directors of the Florida High School Athletic Association, as well as providing members to serve on sectional appeals committees and the leadership council.

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