Membership in the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools means solidarity, strength and security - solidarity in the uniting of members in their common interests and responsibilities; strength in the reinforcement of the identity and resolve of individual schools to live up to their Catholic mission; security in the protection and assurance of belonging to a community that brings the freedom of confidence and the certainty of success.
Membership in NAPCIS confirms the character and quality of the school and gives witness and support to its philosophy of education. It provides assurance that a school has met the high standards of spiritual and academic excellence which characterize NAPCIS schools.
In order to be eligible for membership in NAPCIS, a school must meet technical eligibility requirements: NAPCIS schools must have explicitly stated non-discrimination policies in admission and employment; must be non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations recognized and regulated as such by the IRS; schools must demonstrate sound fiscal practices and provide NAPCIS with financial documents as requested by NAPCIS.
In addition to the technical requirements, the NAPCIS executive committee and its membership department have set the following professional eligibility standards: schools must provide the required documentation and demonstrate that they operate under a Catholic philosophy of education; that they offer an academic environment of excellence that is consistent with the Catholic mission of the school; that they have responsible organizational structure and administration. Schools applying for membership must fulfill the technical eligibility requirements and the professional criteria before membership into NAPCIS will be accepted.
Why join NAPCIS?
Your annual $150 membership fee entitles you to:
enrollment in the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools;
listing in the online and print editions of the NAPCIS Directory of Private Catholic and Independent Schools, published and distributed nationwide;
networking available through NAPCIS conferences, retreats, e-mail loops, newsletters, and bulletins.
NAPCIS offers the following programs and services to its members;
Programs:
Accreditation of member schools through NAPCIS Accreditation Program
Certification of teachers applying Standards of Excellence for Teachers
Professional placement and referral
Services:
Advice and assistance on how to start a school
Professional consultants & speakers
Annual Conference
Annual retreat/teacher seminar
Referrals to educational resources, support services
Publicity - Advocacy for private Catholic and independent schools
Internet access to an international network of private Catholic and independent schools
Online resources and immediate access to information and documents necessary and useful in the operation of private Catholic and independent schools
Beyond these services:
NAPCIS offers the professionals in its member schools an opportunity to join a national association uniting private and independent schools teaching the Catholic Faith in a common resolve to support, advance and preserve their mission.
Working in private and independent schools that teach the Catholic Faith is a challenging and fulfilling vocation. Too often, however, it can be an isolating experience and be perceived as being "all alone out there", as founders and administrators of schools have expressed. Administrators, teachers and parents need support, reinforcement and affirmation. NAPCIS offers assurance in the knowledge that member schools are a part of a larger plan, larger than lovingly demonstrated by an individual school. Private Catholic and independent schools are the activity of the Holy Spirit in the Church today to preserve and teach the Faith.
How Do Schools Qualify for Membership In NAPCIS?
The National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools seeks members who are dedicated to preserving and teaching the truths of the Catholic Faith in loyalty and obedience to the Holy See. We recognize that member schools will differ in their methods and facilities. We ask schools to demonstrate their Catholic identity, provide academic excellence, practice sound fiscal policies and manage their operations with responsible governance and administration.
A school must be a non-profit, tax exempt, 501(c)(3) organization and be nondiscriminatory under the law in admission and employment practices.
How Is The Application Processed?
Applications are evaluated by the Membership Department of NAPCIS and may be referred to the Board of Trustees for review and approval.
When Are Applications Reviewed?
Applications are evaluated and reviewed as received.
Acceptance of Membership
Applicants will be notified of the review and decision by the Membership Department. Upon completion and acceptance of application for membership a membership fee of $150.00 will be due to NAPCIS. This is an annual fee of membership. A reminder of renewal is sent each September.
Deferred Action
Sometimes, because it does not have enough information, the Membership Department may not be ready to make a recommendation about an applicant school. The length of deferral will depend on the circumstances.
Refusal of Membership
The NAPCIS Board of Trustees reserves the right to refuse membership to any applicant school which, in the board's view, fails to satisfy the eligibility requirements. NAPCIS will notify the school of the board's reasons for its action and offer the school the opportunity to respond within a designated time period.
