Independent Schools Association of the Southwest

ISAS At a Glance

Our Story

The Independent Schools Association of the Southwest was founded in 1955 by Casady School in Oklahoma and seven other Texas schools: The Hockaday School, The Kinkaid School, Saint Mary’s Hall, St. John’s School, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, St. Mark’s School, and Texas Military Institute.  As stated in the Association’s original constitution, its purpose was “To encourage, support, and develop highest standards of attainment in the independent schools of the area and to recognize those schools in which they are maintained.”

Since its founding, ISAS has grown to include six states—Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas—and nearly 100 member schools.  Embracing the same ethos of continuous improvement to which our schools aspire, ISAS always seeks to strengthen our thoughtful processes, align our services with the needs of our members and their constituents, and act as a vital and timely resource for best practices and emerging trends.  We take pride in being a special community of striving schools, rich in the spirit of collegiality and sharing.  As one retired ISAS Head noted: “…the organization has a real and valuable collective identity…larger and longer lasting than the tenure and lifespan of any individual.”

Number of Member Schools

95
Number of RAC Schools (Recognition of Accreditation Candidacy) 1
Number of Teachers 6,181
Number of Students 58,781
Total Financial Aid Awarded (current school year) $130 million
Day Schools 92
Boarding Schools 4
Coed Schools 85
Single-Sex Schools 11
Secondary Schools 62
Elementary Schools 34
Schools with Preschools 72
Schools with Secondary Only (grade 5 and up) 13

 

Schools located in Major Metropolitan Areas (Albuquerque, Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, New Orleans, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Phoenix) 93%
Schools located in smaller communities 7%
Arizona Schools 3
Kansas Schools 1
Louisiana Schools 17
New Mexico Schools 7
Oklahoma Schools 5
Texas Schools 63
Median Experience, ISAS Head of School (in Years) 7.4
Female Heads of School 44%
Male Heads of School 56%
Heads of Color 10.4%