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.”