COMPLAINTS POLICY

Independent schools accredited by the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools are expected to operate in the public interest and in accordance with recognized ethical and legal practices.

In this regard, NJAIS occasionally receives requests to investigate member schools’ alleged injustices to individuals and/or families.

By its nature, NJAIS does not intervene on behalf of any individual or family in issues or disputes that they may have with a school.  NJAIS serves its schools by assisting them with their own improvement through a rigorous accreditation process.  Since independent schools are entities that govern themselves, accredited schools are expected to have processes for addressing the concerns of individuals and families. If someone reports an issue regarding a member school to the attention of NJAIS, the Executive Director will direct the reporting individual to utilize the school’s process of addressing concerns.  

If a complaint is brought to the attention of NJAIS that could have an impact on a school’s accreditation status, the Executive Director and/or the NJAIS Accreditation Committee will take such action with respect to the issue as they deem appropriate. In such a situation, the goal of NJAIS is to ensure that its member schools maintain compliance with the Association’s Standards for Accreditation. Only substantially supported allegations of practices that could seriously impair the quality and effectiveness of the school’s program and are in conflict with the NJAIS Standards for Accreditation can be considered by the Accreditation Committee. The Association and Accreditation Committee will not consider anonymous complaints or complaints that are not made in writing.  Should there be a recommendation for a change in a school’s accreditation status with NJAIS, the school has available the appeals procedure established and published by the Association. This policy creates no rights or duties in favor of individuals or families with respect to NJAIS or its member schools

Any investigation undertaken by NJAIS or its Accreditation Committee as the result of a written report or complaint shall be confidential. The decision whether to notify an individual or family or make any public comment concerning the status of a member school or any other issue considered by NJAIS or the Accreditation Committee shall be within the discretion of the Executive Director.

Please send any complaint by mail to: NJAIS, Attn: Executive Director, 90 Washington Valley Road, Bedminster, NJ 07921.