The Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) is a regional organization of private schools. The NWAIS provides resources to its member schools and trains education administrators to implement the organization’s left-of-center agenda on race and gender. The NWAIS also offers sponsorship opportunities to corporations, touting its ability to promote sponsors’ products and services to its member schools. ¹

The NWAIS is a member organization with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the largest network of private schools in the United States. The NAIS has more than 1600 member schools that enroll 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, which include Northwest Association of Independent Schools. 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. The association has also promoted the writings of radical-left ideologue Ibram X. Kendi, who claims that race-neutral policies are inherently discriminatory. Legal Insurrection has asserted that to suppress opposition to its policies and curriculum recommendations, the NAIS has recommended that its member schools bar parents from involvement in their school communities and even expel their children. The publication further claimed that the association has also recommended that school administrators treat dissenting parents and community members as if they are mentally ill. ³

Financials

In 2020, Northwest Association of Independent Schools received close to $1.5 million in total revenue. Less than one percent came from donations and grants, with the overwhelming majority coming from program service fees. ⁴

1. Northwest Association of Independent Schools. Accessed February 20, 2022. https://nwais.org/
2. “About NAIS.” National Association of Independent Schools. Accessed February 20, 2022. https://www.nais.org/about/about-nais/
3. Paul Rossi. “Project Launch: Unmasking National Association of Independent Schools.” Legal Insurrection. February 9, 2022. Accessed February 20, 2022. https://legalinsurrection.com/2022/02/project-launch-unmasking-national-association-of-independent-schools/
4. Northwest Association of Independent Schools, Return of an Organization Exempt From Income Tax (Form 990), 2010. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/911306592