Independent schools are rooted in the idea of choice. They offer families a range of educational options: coeducation or single sex; religious affiliation or nonsectarian; preschool, elementary, or secondary; day or boarding; and each has a distinct educational mission and philosophy.

For all their variety in approaches, NJAIS member schools have certain characteristics in common. Each is governed by a Board of Trustees and is a nonprofit corporation. NJAIS schools are independent in governance and finance, and each fosters a culture of learning in every area of school life -- in classrooms and laboratories, on playing fields, stages, in concerts and in music practice rooms, and art studios.

NJAIS is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA),  ISAnet,  NBOA, CSEE and The Council for American Private Education (CAPE). NJAIS is also a member of the Nonpublic Schools Advisory Council, which works with the Department of Nonpublic School Services within the NJ Department of Education.