Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS)
Contents
The ISAS is a member organization with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the largest network of private schools in the United States. NAIS has more than 1,600 member schools which enroll a total of nearly 700,000 students. 2
Critical Race Theory
In February 2022, the right-of-center law publication Legal Insurrection announced the launch of an investigation into National Association of Independent Schools and its member organizations, one of which is Independent Schools Association of the Southwest. Led by journalist and former teacher Paul Rossi, the investigation centers on the apparent promotion of left-progressive race and gender ideology within NAIS. Legal Insurrection highlighted statements by leading left-progressive activists affiliated with NAIS, as well as curriculum changes which the association expects its member organizations to implement. 3
NAIS has hosted Bettina Love, the co-founder of the radical-left Abolitionist Teaching Network, as a keynote speaker at its “People of Color Conference.” Love’s organization claims that school disciplinary measures are a form of “spirit murder” of minority children. Legal Insurrection alleged that the association has also promoted the writings of radical-left ideologue Ibram X. Kendi, who claims that race-neutral policies are inherently discriminatory, and that to suppress opposition to its policies and curriculum recommendations, NAIS has recommended that its member schools bar parents from involvement in their school communities and even expel their children. Legal Insurrection claimed that the association has also recommended that school administrators treat dissenting parents and community members as if they are mentally ill. 3
Leadership
Scott Griggs is the executive director of Independent Schools Association of the Southwest. He has been an administrator at private schools in Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio. Griggs attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. 4
Financials
In 2020, Independent Schools Association of the Southwest received nearly $1.1 million in total revenue. The organization reported no donations or grants and indicated that nearly all of its funds came from program service fees. 5
Financial Statistics
Total Assets
Total Revenue
Total Expenses
| Year | Total Assets | Total Revenue | Total Expenses | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,082,341 | $1,543,622 | $1,481,934 | |
| 2024 | $2,560,684 | $1,493,913 | $1,321,835 | View |
| 2023 | $2,233,911 | $1,355,286 | $1,339,018 | View |
| 2022 | $2,338,016 | $1,293,764 | $1,209,236 | View |
| 2021 | $2,207,078 | $912,486 | $836,638 | View |
| 2020 | $2,031,321 | $1,090,982 | $1,027,770 | View |
Prior year filings: 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011
Revenue Detail
Expenses Detail
Employee Compensation
- Number of Employees: 7
Highest Earning Employees
| Employee | Title | Total Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Griggs | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | $318,124 |
| Adam Valenstein | ACCREDITATION DIRECTOR | $107,304 |
| Katie Leto | FINANCE DIRECTOR | $18,450 |
Grant Activity
All-time grants received statistics from Candid dataset:
- Total Grant Value: $116,666
- Number of Grants: 2
- Number of Funders: 1
All-time grants given statistics from Candid dataset:
- Total Grant Value: $75,000
- Number of Grants: 1
- Number of Recipients: 1
Selection of highest value grants given from the last seven years:
| Amount | Year | Funder | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | 2023 | All Saints Episcopal School of Fort Worth | TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR THE FINE ARTS FESTIVAL |