Mission

A community of independent schools, we explore and pursue exemplary leadership, training, research and international standards of educational excellence.

Vision

The voice of excellence in learning and leadership, shaping the future of education.

CAIS Values

At CAIS we believe...

1. Excellence is a constant and deliberate quest. 

We believe that excellence is the result of extensive practice over extended periods of time. We aspire to excel and in this pursuit we encourage one another to seek, question, challenge, collaborate - and practice. 

2. We are always learning.

We must be open, aware, agile, and alive to the possibility that a breakthrough thought can come today and it could come from the unlikeliest of places. This is a learning community.

3. Our students can change the world.

We passionately believe that the young people learning within the classrooms of our member schools are the leaders who will transform the world of tomorrow. That is our whole reason for being here and the one idea that drives everything we do.

4. Empowering our members to achieve their goals is the main role we play.

We understand that our member schools represent the best there is in Canadian education and we believe that serving their needs, empowering their own pursuit of excellence, and providing a space for open, honest, respectful and direct collaboration is the value we can provide.

5. It must be relevant to have value.

We believe that everything we do must pass the test of relevancy. Value to members makes things relevant.

6. We must stay focused to be sustainable.

The test of relevancy must be accompanied by the test of sustainability. We believe in sound and transparent financial management and valuing our human resources. That's why a focused, thoughtful, clearly defined and well-communicated set of goals is the basis of everything we do.

7. We are all about exemplary practices.

The pursuit of excellence in education is based on establishing and maintaining the highest standards that apply. We believe that if we stand for exemplary practices in education, then we must also stand for exemplary practices in every other area of our organization. We cannot settle for second best.

8. We are proudly Canadian in a globalized world.

CAIS is a national, distinctly Canadian organization celebrating the best of independent education in this country. Our reach and impact, however, extend beyond our borders to a global community of educational leaders and students.

9. CAIS staff and volunteers can expect to be valued.

We believe that our reputation for excellence must include the value we place on the people who work with us, either as staff, consultant, or volunteer. They can expect to be treated with respect, encouraged to be creative, and acknowledged for their commitment and talent.

Please click here to visit the CAIS School Directory.

About CAIS Summary Document