The diversity of independent schools in size, function, and mode of operation has resulted in a considerable variety of accounting principles and practices. This lack of uniformity has tended to make understanding, evaluation, and comparison of independent schools' financial statements a difficult and sometimes impossible task. This manual has been developed as a concerted effort to create a measure of consistency and uniformity--a first attempt to codify basic accounting principles and practices for specific application to independent schools. It is intended as a guide or working document which may be modified and altered through usage. The sections of the manual cover basic principles for uniform accounting and reporting, chart of accounts, illustrative journal entries, uniform financial statements, and basic accounting systems. A glossary of accounting terms is provided. (Author/JF)