The Tennessee Association of Independent Schools is a voluntary association of sixty-plus schools located throughout the state of Tennessee and northern Mississippi. It is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors, all of whom are currently serving as Heads of School at TAIS schools. 

While each school is unique, they share key qualities: they provide strong academic programs, appreciate students as unique individuals, promote student engagement in their school communities, and facilitate the moral and ethical growth of their students. In addition, all TAIS schools maintain non-discriminatory policies, are incorporated as nonprofit organizations governed by a Board of Trustees, and are accredited either by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), Cognia, or the state of Tennessee.

The benefits of TAIS Membership are robust. TAIS serves its member schools by...

• hosting relevant, well-priced, local professional development, the cost of which is discounted for members;
• advocating for independent schools in legislative and policy matters;
• serving as a liaison between the Department of Education and the Department of Health and independent schools;
• recommending resources and consultants;
• offering customized training, retreats, and workshops for school boards, faculty, and students;
• providing access to dozens of purchasing discounts and reduced rates with our partner organizations;
• and offering networking opportunities through our events, community forums, and list serves.

A TAIS Board Member sits on the TSSAA, and the Executive Director of TAIS serves on the Governor's Non-public Schools Advisory Council, these posts are just two of many ways that TAIS advocates for its member schools and positions itself to inform member schools of important policy information.