The Washington Federation of Independent Schools (WFIS) is the umbrella organization for private education in Washington State. With the vast majority of the independent student population enrolled in member schools, WFIS serves as the only state-wide vehicle for regular communication and strategic development between the many diverse religious and independent sponsoring boards.

WFIS is a member of the Council for American Private Education (CAPE).   CAPE is the national group working on behalf of private schools.  WFIS acts as a state CAPE organization and informally represents Washington .  A number of school associations have expressed support for WFIS as a membership organization for private and independent schools. We advocate on behalf of private schools whenever and wherever necessary in the education policy arena – the Superintendent of Public Instruction's Office, the U. S. Department of Education, the Washington State Legislature, etc.

WFIS speaks as a voice on behalf of its members as it:

Promotes the vital role of private schools in Washington education and their significant contributions to educating the public and promoting the common good;

 

Promotes the rights of parents to educate their children in the schools of their choice;

 

Encourages excellence and pluralism in education and promotes the rights of private schools to fulfill their unique missions;

 

 Fosters the participation of the private school community in shaping the state's education agenda, and develops and promotes positions on educational policy; and

 

Assures equitable access to all services to which private schools are entitled, while allowing them to maintain their independence.

 

What you can expect from WFIS:

Presenting a united front for Washington 's private schools

Providing a collective proactive and/or reactive voice for privates schools to advance or guard their interests and maintain their independence

Being the connection/conduit “inside” Olympia as protector and promoter of private schools

Gathering, tabulating and communicating statewide information about and for private schools

Encouraging the exploration of new educational opportunities and perspectives

Providing special attention to issues that may impact the diverse philosophical or theological independence of private schools

Promoting educational excellence for all schools

Representing private schools “at the table” on all matters impacting the education of our children

Providing prompt, accurate and representative information to all inquiries
 

 WFIS Member Benefits:

Brings unifying strength to diverse private schools

 

Provides a  link to state and national issues affecting all private schools

 

Provides increased visibility to private schools statewide

 

Provides a forum for exchange of ideas and programs

 

Provides opportunity to elect and select State Board candidate

 

Receipt of regular monthly national and state newsletters updating you on the latest issues

 

Eligibility to receive statewide recognition of your people and programs through the Best of Washington Awards

 

Receipt of reduced rates for Federation events

 

Eligibility to be considered for appointment to PEAB's, state committees, etc.

 

Provides you with a seat at the table regarding educational choice, preserving the integrity of your educational mission, and affecting the future of private education in Washington State

 

Provide a professional network in addition to that of your constituency