Welcome FCIS

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), which was founded in 1954 by a small group of independent school leaders who wanted to establish standards of excellence for Florida independent schools. From a small beginning, FCIS has grown to be one of the largest accrediting organizations of independent schools in the United States today with recognition from the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA), formerly the National Association of Independent Schools’ (NAIS) Commission on Accreditation.

Serving over 74,000 students in 144 member schools, FCIS is true today to the mission established by its founders: “The Florida Council of Independent Schools promotes the highest standards for PK-12 education through its accreditation process, professional development programming, and advocacy efforts”. In keeping with that mission, the FCIS accreditation process not only promotes standards of excellence, but a mindset of school improvement. The professional development program is robust, offering in excess of 30 workshops and webinars as well as an annual convention featuring nationally known keynote speakers. In addition, FCIS strives to protect the independence of its member schools by keeping a visible presence at the Florida Legislature and the Florida High School Athletic Association.

Please take a moment to browse our new website, from which you will learn even more about the services of our association. In closing, thank you for your interest in our association. Together, we will continue to grow as an independent school association that seeks excellence.

Sincerely,

Dr. Barbara Hodges