Choice in education sums up in three words what independent schools stand for – the protection of the right of parents to choose the most suitable education for their children. Parents are seeking to instil in their children educational, philosophical, religious, moral, social and family values that will equip them to meet the challenge of a rapidly changing Australia.

Our Member Schools can help parents meet this objective because they reflect the exciting and healthy diversity of the Victorian community and are equipped to meet the needs of tomorrow’s citizens. Parents choose independent schools because they are seeking the best for their children – and AISV Member Schools deliver excellence in education. They can do this because they are independent and able to determine their own policies on enrolment, staffing, curriculum, co-curricular activities and student welfare while working within legislative requirements and meeting or exceeding minimum standards.

AISV works for and with its 200-plus Member Schools, providing services and products to enable schools to support their students in the changing educational environment. As a member service organisation, AISV develops and delivers quality products and services, provides workplace relations support and administers Australian and Victorian Government funding programmes. Our successful outcomes are achieved because of the close partnership we enjoy with our Member Schools.

The investment that parents make when they choose to enrol their children in independent schools is a direct contribution to the cost of education. Independent schools in Victoria receive on average 29 per cent of their income from the state and federal governments – the rest is paid by parents.

Independent schools are a strong and valued part of the education community. AISV research shows that most taxpayers in Victoria support choice in education and the principle of independent schooling. Continuing government funding for children attending independent schools is the best and fairest way to help all students.

We are committed to a thriving independent sector because our schools provide choice for parents and children and are an effective and sustainable way to grow funding for education.

Our website outlines the wide range of activities conducted for the benefit of members and the communities they serve. You will see that our membership is diverse, linked together in unity, which is a cause for great celebration.

- Michelle Green, Chief Executive