There are several accrediting authorities for private schools in the United States and internationally. Accrediting organizations assess and recognize schools that meet their established standards of educational quality and excellence. Some prominent accrediting authorities for private schools include:
AdvancED (now Cognia)
Cognia is a nonprofit organization that provides accreditation services for schools across the United States and internationally. They evaluate schools based on their research-based standards and continuous improvement processes.
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
ACSI is a Christian educational organization that offers accreditation for Christian schools internationally. They assess schools based on their commitment to Christian values and integration of faith into the curriculum.
Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF)
AISF is a Florida-based organization that accredits independent schools in the state. They assess schools based on specific standards related to governance, leadership, curriculum, and student support.
Council of British International Schools (COBIS)
COBIS is an association representing British international schools globally. They provide accreditation services to their member schools, assessing them against a set of rigorous quality standards.
Council of International Schools (CIS)
CIS is a globally recognized organization that provides accreditation services for international schools. They assess schools based on their standards for governance, curriculum, teaching, and student learning. CIS accreditation is highly regarded.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The International Baccalaureate is a widely respected educational organization that offers programs for students aged 3 to 19. Schools that offer the IB curriculum can seek authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure adherence to IB’s educational standards and practices.
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS)
MSA-CESS is another regional accrediting association. They provide accreditation services to schools in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States, focusing on standards related to curriculum, instruction, and school improvement.
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
NAIS is a membership organization that represents independent schools in the United States. They provide accreditation services to their member schools, focusing on educational quality and institutional effectiveness.
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
NEASC is a regional accrediting agency that assesses schools in the New England region, and in addition to its regional accreditation in the United States, also offers international accreditation services through its Commission on International Education (CIE). NEASC-CIE evaluates international schools based on their standards for student learning, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
WASC is one of six regional accrediting associations in the United States. They evaluate schools in the western region of the country.
Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC)
ACS WASC is the international branch providing services for international schools outside of the United States and assess schools based on their criteria for educational quality and improvement.
These are just a few examples of accrediting authorities for private schools. It’s important to note that each accrediting organization may have specific criteria, processes, and requirements for accreditation. Private schools can choose to pursue accreditation based on their educational philosophy, goals, and regional considerations.
Meridian Learning
This organization offers three tiers of professional accreditation. The first tier outlines your school’s commitment to elevating the grassroots micro school model by adhering to characteristics listed here. Second tier accreditation invites a more collaborative effort among your community of learners, teachers and/or administrative staff. Micros chools seeking third tier accreditation will engage in a multi-month process including a professional peer review, which culminates with an accreditation summary.
