About GISA
About Our Association
We have been privileged to serve Georgia’s premier independent K-12 schools for more than 35 years!
Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) is a non-profit association of private, independent K-12 accredited schools throughout the state. The mission of GISA is to advance excellence and collaboration among Georgia’s independent schools by serving the professional growth, advocacy, and interscholastic needs of member schools. Each member school is unique while sharing a unified commitment to overall excellence, as well as to the nurture and care of the physical, intellectual, social, and moral development of all students.
GISA’s Mission
GISA advances excellence and collaboration among member schools by providing advocacy, professional growth and student interscholastic engagement.
GISA’s Vision
Independent schools working together, leading with excellence and providing opportunities for Georgia students.
History
Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) was established in 1986 through the merger of two long-standing organizations: the Georgia Association of Independent Schools (GAIS – founded in 1954) and the Southeastern Association of Independent Schools (SEAIS – founded in 1969). Together, they created a unified association dedicated to supporting and advancing independent education across Georgia.
From the beginning, GISA has upheld high standards for membership, requiring accreditation, nondiscriminatory practices, ethical operations, and strong professional recommendations. Member schools represent a wide range of missions and traditions, including faith-based, military, boarding, and single-gender institutions, serving primarily college-preparatory students from kindergarten through grade twelve. Today we have nearly 170 member schools across 60 counties, serving more than 80,000 students.
GISA works to promote the interests of independent schools and strengthen collaboration among schools, colleges, and educational partners throughout the state.
GISA Leadership:
Dr. Jeff Jackson, President
(July 2009 – Present)
Dr. Michael Drake, Executive Director
(July 2001 – June 2009) – 8 Years
Mr. Morris C. Johnson, Executive Director
(1986 – June 2001) – 15 Years
