Services

The FISA serves its members by acting as the collective voice for independent schools in British Columbia. On their behalf through the board of directors they elect, the FISA addresses all issues arising out of policies that impact on the operation of independent schools, from provincial policies on curriculum, funding, teacher certification, and the like, to federal policies on tax issues governing charities.  The FISA co-operates with government in implementing requirements of the Independent School Act, administers some grant programs, and provides information to all enquirers.

_{FISA acts to secure equitable sharing of educational tax dollars:}

• by ensuring continuation of the present grant and funding formula, including grants for special needs
• by working to improve the sharing of learning resources

_{FISA acts to maintain independence while co-operating with government:}

• by consulting frequently on educational policy with ministry officials
• by proposing names for External Evaluation Team members
• by proposing names for Independent SchoolTeacher Certification Committee members
• by proposing names for examination and assessment test panel members
• by serving on various Ministry of Education committees, including the Education Advisory Council

_{FISA acts to increase public acceptance of independent schools:}

• by visiting MLAs and legislative sessions when educational issues are debated
• by participating in media interviews and responding to media reports
• by visiting conventions of educational bodies - BC School Trustees Association, BC Teachers' Federation, BC College of Teachers., etc...
• by attending political party conventions
• by co-ordinating non-partisan informational campaigns during elections

_{FISA acts as an information service for schools:}

• by supplying the web-based Independent Schools Directory 
  
• by supplying information through the Federation News and memos
• by supplying information to researchers and the media
• by supplying information on government independent school policy to inquirers

_{FISA acts as a central office for agencies such as:}

• the BC Ministry of Education programs such as the Dogwood District/Authority Awards
  
• the Federal Government French Language Basic Grants
• the Vancouver Foundation - Artists in Education Grants
• the BC Arts Council - Artists in Education Grants
• To obtain information or application forms for these awards or grants see "Forms Applications" at the top right portion of this page.

This category of service contributes to independent schools more than the membership fees FISA receives.