The National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) is not a dance studio but an accrediting body, based at 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, Virginia. Founded in 1981, it is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges and universities with approximately 86 accredited institutional members. NASD establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials in dance and dance-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly and educational dance work. Its activities include a comprehensive accreditation review process, publication of a handbook of standards and guidelines, a searchable directory of accredited institutions and approved curricular programs, an annual meeting, and information resources for students and parents. It is one of the arts accrediting associations alongside NASM, NASAD and NAST.