Empowering member schools and students since 1973.

VAISEF supports independent specialized education facilities through accreditation, advocacy, collaboration, and professional leadership.

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A teacher works one to one with a young student at a classroom table, pointing to a colorful workbook — **50+ years**serving Virginia’s specialized education community

A teacher working with students, including a student using a wheelchair, at a classroom table

About VAISEF

The Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Facilities (VAISEF) is a statewide association of private providers of specialized education and services for children and youth with special needs and their families.

For more than five decades, VAISEF has supported schools through accreditation, professional development, collaboration, and advocacy while promoting excellence throughout Virginia’s specialized education community.

More about VAISEF

Where would you like to start?

VAISEF serves three groups of people. Pick yours.

Families and placement teams

Looking for a school that can meet a child’s needs? Start with the schools that have passed our peer review.

Member schools

Schools seeking accreditation

Join a statewide network and earn accreditation approved by the Virginia Council for Private Education.

Our Mission

VAISEF’s mission is to enhance the capabilities of its members to provide quality specialized education and services by offering an accreditation process and by providing information, training, and networking opportunities; and to increase opportunities for members to provide services by advocating for a full continuum of services and by advocating for an increased role of the private sector, and by networking with state and local agencies.

Enhance Capabilities

Professional development, resources, networking, and collaboration for member schools.

Quality Services

A peer-review accreditation process focused on accountability, quality, and improvement.

Advocacy

Support for a full continuum of educational services for children and youth with special needs.

What VAISEF offers

For schools & agencies

Accreditation

Learn about VAISEF’s accreditation process, standards, and continuous improvement expectations.

Learn More

For school teams

School Resources

Access accreditation guidance, professional learning and resources for specialized schools.

Apply for Accreditation

Why Schools Choose VAISEF

Over 50 years of service to Virginia’s specialized education community
Peer-review accreditation process
Professional leadership and collaboration
Advocacy for independent specialized education
Resources supporting continuous improvement

Sign up for Friday Updates

Get VAISEF’s Friday Updates, news, and event emails for Virginia’s specialized education community. You do not need to be a member to sign up.