What is National PTA?

PTA is the nation’s original parent group in schools, influencing millions of parents, past and present, to get involved in their children’s education. We are a national, nonprofit organization; neither the organization nor its leaders receive any financial benefit from PTA activities. We are composed of more than 5 million volunteers in 25,000 local units. We are run by volunteers and led by volunteers, and we are accountable to parents and schools. We give parents what they want—a way to help their children succeed.

PTA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. Other independent parent groups must either complete a complicated process to file for tax-exempt status on their own, or must file taxes on all revenues received.

National PTA Mission, Vision & Values

Membership is open to anyone who believes in the mission and purposes of Parent Teacher Association. Individual members may belong to any number of PTAs and pay dues in each. Every person who joins a local PTA automatically becomes a member of both the state and national PTAs.  Together we are a powerful voice for children. With your help, we can continue to work toward PTA's goal of a quality education and nurturing environment for every child.

          PTA Vision

·        Making every child's potential a reality

          PTA Mission

·        A powerful voice for all children

·        A relevant resource for families and communities

·        A strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child.

          PTA Values 

·        Collaboration: We work in partnership with a wide array of individuals and organizations to accomplish our agreed-upon goals

·       Commitment: We are dedicated to promoting children’s health, well-being, and educational success through strong parent, family, and community involvement

·        Accountability: We acknowledge our obligations and we deliver on our promises

·        Respect: We value our colleagues and ourselves. We expect the same high quality of effort and thought from ourselves as we do from others

·        Inclusivity: We invite the stranger and welcome the newcomer. We value and seek input from as wide a spectrum of viewpoints and experiences as possible

·        Integrity: We act consistently with our beliefs. When we err, we acknowledge the mistake and seek to make amends

What does PTA do on a national level?

Not all decisions affecting a child’s school happen at the local level.  That’s why, from day one, it has been the mission of National PTA to address the needs of all children. This includes children in every school, in every state, across the entire nation. Even if you’re not a member, PTA still works for your child. 

We have the vision and determination to push for national education policies. We have been a driving force in establishing school lunch programs, after-school care, immunization programs, school bus safety, and television rating standards, before they became law.