Virginia’s association for private special education, since 1973

About VAISEF

Empowering Students and Families Since 1973

The Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Facilities (VAISEF) is a statewide professional association representing Virginia's independent specialized education providers.

Who We Are

Since 1973, VAISEF has served as the voice for specialized education facilities committed to providing high-quality educational and therapeutic services for children and youth with disabilities and other complex educational needs.

For more than fifty years, VAISEF has brought together educational leaders, administrators, and specialized education professionals through accreditation, collaboration, advocacy, and professional development.

Our member schools create individualized learning environments where students can thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally while preparing for lifelong success.

Our History

Founded in 1973, VAISEF was established to unite Virginia's independent specialized education facilities under a common commitment to educational excellence.

As specialized education programs expanded across the Commonwealth, school leaders recognized the need for a professional association dedicated to promoting quality standards, collaboration, and advocacy on behalf of students with specialized learning needs.

Today, VAISEF continues its mission of advancing excellence by helping member schools maintain high standards, embrace continuous improvement, and provide exceptional educational opportunities for the students and families they serve.

Our Mission

The VAISEF 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.

What We Do

Accreditation

VAISEF promotes excellence through a rigorous peer-review accreditation process that supports accountability, continuous improvement, and high educational standards.

Professional Development

Members benefit from conferences, workshops, leadership development, peer reviewer training, and educational resources that strengthen schools and their leaders.

Advocacy

VAISEF works collaboratively with state agencies, legislators, educational partners, and stakeholders to advocate for policies that support students, families, and specialized education providers throughout Virginia.

Collaboration

The Association creates opportunities for networking, sharing best practices, mentoring future leaders, and strengthening specialized education through meaningful partnerships.

Who We Serve

Schools

Independent specialized education facilities

Private day schools · Residential treatment educational programs

Professionals

School administrators and educational leaders

Teachers and related service professionals

Families

Students and their families

Help finding appropriate school placements

Participants attending an education conference

Why Membership Matters

Membership in VAISEF connects schools to a statewide network dedicated to excellence in specialized education.

  • Accreditation and school improvement support
  • Professional development and leadership training
  • Networking and peer collaboration
  • Legislative and regulatory updates
  • Access to educational resources and best practices
  • Opportunities to help shape the future of specialized education in Virginia

Explore membership

Equal opportunity

Non-Discrimination Statement

VAISEF members do not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, or national origin in the distribution of educational services to the community or in the hiring and advancement of personnel, except as may be provided by law.

Since 1973

Our Commitment

For more than 50 years, VAISEF has remained committed to strengthening independent specialized education throughout Virginia. By supporting member schools through accreditation, collaboration, professional development, and advocacy, we help ensure that children and youth with specialized educational needs have access to high-quality educational services that enable them to reach their fullest academic, intellectual, social, emotional, and personal potential.