Washington Federation of Independent Schools

In 1965, Congress passed the landmark Elementary and Secondary Education Act with the intent of directing federal funds to benefit children in the nation s K-12 schools in specific categories. Included in the provisions of the Act was language that guaranteed that these public dollars would also benefit students in U.S. private, independent and religious schools.

By the end of the decade, it was clear that private schools in Washington needed to standardize relations with the state authorities responsible for channeling these resources to the schools by establishing a uniform approval process. The goals were to recognize private schools as legitimate partners in educating children in this state and to establish links for other services and regulation. While the authority to recognize schools fell under the discretion of the State Board of Education (SBE) through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), it was soon realized that a unified advocacy group representing the wide diversity of the private school community needed to be formed.

On May 9, 1970 visionary leaders from the independent, Christian and Catholic schools signed the articles of incorporation for the Washington Federation of Independent Schools (WFIS). The intent of the group was to provide a framework for communication and cooperation between the different types and groups of independent schools and to act as an educational policy and political action body for the private school community of Washington. Membership was (and remains) open to all of the state s SBE approved private schools.

During its thirty-plus years of history, WFIS has been involved in countless activities on behalf of its members. From providing candidate forums during state elections, offering legislation, supporting constitutional amendments, sponsoring educational symposia, and providing media services, no other state-wide organization can offer the unique perspective of the dynamic synergy which is Washington s independent school community. WFIS has been directly responsible for such private school benefits as:

• The establishment of the Private Schools Office at OSPI;
• Student access to public school transportation;
• Vehicle license tax exemption/school bus safety regulations;
• Private school voting member on SBE;
• Joint purchasing agreements with the state;
• Voluntary inclusion in education reform;
• Private school member on Commission on Student Learning;
• Release of information on juvenile offenders;
• Employee records checks;
• Flexibility in approval process including contact days/hours Private school membership on numerous committees including advisory bodies for teacher education, certification standards, school accreditation, technology initiatives and networks.

WFIS joins with sister organizations in other states to advocate for private school families on the national level under the umbrella of the Council for American Private Education (CAPE). As part of that active network, WFIS:

• Promotes the role our schools play in educating state citizens for the common good;
• Promotes the rights of parents to educate their children in the schools of their choice;
• Encourages program excellence and the right of schools to fulfill their unique mission;
• Fosters participation of private schools in helping shape local and state educational policy;
• Advocates for equitable access for private school students to state and federal programs;
• Monitors and analyzes legislation and regulations affecting private schools;
• Provides information about private education to policy makers and the public;
• Keeps the private school community informed on issues and programs.

For more information:

JAN L. MORRISON
Assistant to the Director
Washington Federation of Independent Schools
435 Main Avenue South
Renton, WA  98057
(425) 228-WFIS (9347)
(425) 228-9348
jmorrison@wfis.org