General Info:
History and Organization of SCISA The South Carolina Independent School Association ( SCISA ) is a non-profit voluntary association of independent schools. Founded originally on August 10, 1965, the State of South Carolina Incorporated the SCISA as an exclusively educational organization, with responsibilities to establish accreditation standards, coordinate athletic and academic competition, and raise funds for member organizations. From a beginning of representatives from seven schools who attended the first organizational meeting in Orangeburg in 1965, the SCISA has grown to a membership for 2010-2011 of 105 schools with a total enrollment of approximately 28, 000 students. The Association central office moved from its original location in Orangeburg to Summerville, then to Beaufort, to Columbia and finally to Orangeburg in 1999. The governing authority of SCISA is a Board of Director, consisting of a representative from each member school and six Directors-at-Large. Officers of the SCISA are a Chairman of the Board, a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and Treasurer. These officers are elected at the semi-annual meeting of the Board in the spring. In addition, there are a number of standing and special committees, all appointed by the President with approval of the Board, that develop and supervise particular programs for member schools. Supporting the organization in the Central office and responsible to the President is a staff consisting of an Executive Director, an Athletic Director, an Activities Director and an Administrative Assistant. The South Carolina Independent School Association ( SCISA ) provides a structure within which member schools share an awareness of mutual problems and experiences, profit from each others' handling of these problems, and have the advantage in the operation of their respective schools and the expertise and data that is collected by and available to the Association. In this scnse, the SCISA gives unity and strength to the cause of independent education. Speaking for the collective association, it monitors legislation and speaks with authority and is listened to by the public, news media, the legislature, and elected officials. The Association provides a variety of services ( some are listed below ) for all of its members. It is the vehicle that supports an active three-season athletic program, and accreditation and academic evaluation program, many State-wide special academic activities for students, and a testing program, which is proving the continued excellent academic performance of our students. The Association employs a full-time legislative monitoring service. Member schools share the guidance of competent professionals and, at a saving in money, keep abreast of the latest developments. The Association sponsors a Headmasters' Association, an annual conference of teachers and headmasters, a State-wide student government and honor society and their conventions, and numerous seminars and workshops. Of value to many schools, their headmasters, teachers, board members, parents, and students, has been the advice and counsel of a full-time Executive Director, Athletic Director, Activities Director, and Administrative Assistant. In addition, Associate officers, directors-at-large, and committee members within the membership network expertise and assistance to member schools. Seminars and workshops including tailored in-service educational programs, and trustee orientation and development for individual schools