NAIS - An Origin Story

The cartel that coined the term "independent" education is the real systemic structure that needs to be dismantled.

The more we pay attention, the more we realize our schools are transforming into something we do not recognize.  We talk to other parents in our own schools and assume these problems are affecting individual schools on a case-by-case basis.  That is not the case.  What is going on is concerted and systemic.  But from where is it coming?

The agenda to change our “independent” schools is coming rather ironically from the National Association of Independent Schools – NAIS. 

Just a couple months ago, some of us spoke with Aaron Sibarium at The Washington Free Beacon about NAIS.  Aaron is a tenacious investigative journalist at the forefront of the graft in the independent school sphere.  If you haven’t read it already, check it out:

https://freebeacon.com/culture/why-private-schools-have-gone-woke/

But what is NAIS?  From where did it come? 

NAIS Origins and History

·      NAIS was founded on March 1, 1962 around the time modern western Marxist and extremist philosophers and activists were getting started.

·      NAIS is not an organization that simply is an accrediting body or resource.  It has an agenda that it wants to influence and implement nationally.  For example, NAIS encourages racially segregating kindergarteners!

·      In 1993, NAIS moved headquarters from Boston to DC for “the association’s expansion in the areas of government relations and public affairs.”

·      Former NAIS president John Esty enhanced NAIS’ presence in Washington, DC and committed to diversity and “development of the term ‘independent education’” (aka Orwellian new speak for dependent education).

·      About 1600 private schools are members of NAIS.

·      In its vision statement, NAIS envisions that “All learners find pathways to success through the independence, innovation, and diversity of our schools, creating a more equitable world.” (emphasis added.)

Interesting NAIS Facts:

·      NAIS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  Yet, oddly enough, its assets went from $8.5M in 2001 to $18M in 2010 to $32M in 2015 to $47M in 2020.

·      Its current president, Donna Orem, who frequently speaks about how to deal with parents who ask questions makes $449,000 annually.  Remember when you thought you were being sensible by becoming a surgeon or private practice lawyer?  Nope.  Apparently, it pays to work in education nonprofits!

·      NAIS spends about $2M on independent contractors annually.

·      NAIS gathers data on students (race, gender, etc.) in its member schools.

·      NAIS sells member schools “analysis.”  Huh, interesting.

It’s time to start asking some questions.  Have you noticed that your school’s tuition goes up 3-5% every year regardless of the economic climate?  Have you ever checked out your headmaster’s salary and perks and how much it has increased in the past five or so years?  How do the salaries of your teachers measure up?  Is your headmaster and other administrative staff or faculty actively involved in NAIS?  Do they use work days to do this NAIS work?  What benefits are your children receiving by your headmaster and staff spending their time organizing at NAIS?  Is it translating to more comprehension by your children of fundamental math and more articulate writing or just more inculcation of “diversity,” “equity,” “inclusion,” and “justice” at your school so your children can somehow magically “change the world?”  Are your children taught they can choose daily whether they are a boy or girl and Poof – the world is suddenly entirely environmentally sustainable!  How much is your school’s endowment?  For what is the endowment being used when you keep paying more in tuition, annual giving, fundraisers, faculty lunches, and even for crayons every year?  Is your school supporting your children’s learning or propping up the DEI industrial complex with increasing DEI and SEL staff despite having only one learning specialist? 

We bet you fifty bucks your headmaster has left or will leave shortly to become a diversity consultant and your new headmaster will be a former director of DEI.  We have to stop the grift!  Keep asking questions of your school and your Board of Trustees.  Demand answers from them.  If your Board does not have answers, they are neglecting their fiduciary duties.

Remember, your school by definition is a private independent school.  Its mission (which was likely changed about five years ago – more on that in a later post) is to educate your children and maintain the health of the school as an institution.  It does not answer to NAIS and should not take directives from NAIS. 

Spread the news – End NAIS.