The New York State Coalition for Independent and Religious Schools (NYSCIRS) serves nearly 1,800 religious and independent schools across New York State which educate nearly 400,000 school children and employ approximately 60,000 teachers, administrators and staff. NYSCIRS seeks to promote and strengthen religious and independent schools in order to secure and enhance freedom of choice in education for New York’s citizens. Through its interaction with state and federal elected officials and policy makers, represents the public policy interests of its member schools, students, parents, teachers and administrators. NYSCIRS provides on-going professional development to its member administrators and teachers as well as introduces and helps to coordinate innovative programs and services to its member schools. NYSCIRS is the state affiliate to the Council for American Private Education (CAPE).