Accreditation Partners

SAIS partners with several organizations to offer a single process that leads to multiple accreditations. Partner agencies typically have additional compliance measures and also make their own accrediting decisions based on their unique requirements. The goal of SAIS’s accrediting partnerships is to serve the diverse needs of schools who want or need multiple accreditations.

The SAIS accreditation process and protocols have been formally approved by a variety of external organizations, including the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA), the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC), and the Virginia Council on Private Education (VCPE). SAIS is specifically named as an accepted accreditor in state law and/or Department of Education administrative code in many states. The federal government recognizes SAIS accreditation for the purpose of issuing student exchange documentation through the Department of Homeland Security. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) recognizes SAIS accreditation in determining athletic eligibility for incoming student athletes.

SAIS has also worked with schools to develop identity standards for purposes of internal measures. These include Catholic identity standards and Glasser Quality School measures. We are happy to consider other accrediting partners if your school would benefit from combining a visit. The SAIS Accreditation Portal allows us to create multiple “sets” of standards the school may choose to address as part of internal measures or as part of the requirements for another agency.

SAIS partners with different national and international agencies to accredit or co-accredit schools. Below is a partial list of agencies with which SAIS has arrangements.


Association of Christian Schools International

Leading Christ-centered education toward excellence and flourishing

Association of Waldorf Schools of North America

AWSNA is a nonĀ­profit membership organization of independent Waldorf schools and institutes in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges

ACS WASC accredits elementary and secondary schools; not-for-profit, non-degree granting adult schools; and supplementary education programs.

American Montessori Society

The American Montessori Society is a hub for all things Montessori: an information center for its members, the media, and the public; a voice in the public policy arena; and a mobilizing force for the global Montessori community, through support services, research, and professional development events.

Cognia

We are a global network of enthusiastic educators here to help you strengthen your schools. Our holistic approach to continuous improvement encompasses accreditation and certification, assessment, professional learning, and customized improvement services. Like you, we want all students to have the opportunities that knowledge brings.

Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association

The Middle States Association is a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 125 years, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development and advance student achievement.

Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools

The mission of the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools is to lead, nurture, and unify Episcopal schools in order to advance educational excellence within the faith community of the Episcopal Church.

Virginia Association of Independent Schools

VAIS is guided by the core values of independence, excellence, and community and is committed to nurturing and enhancing a workplace environment and governance structure that is diverse, inclusive, equitable, and just.

Florida Council of Independent Schools

Every day in our classrooms, we challenge our students to work harder, dig deeper, reach higher, and strive to achieve their very best. By implementing the high standards and best practices required to earn the distinction of FCIS accreditation, we ask nothing less of ourselves.

Midsouth Association of Independent Schools

Since 1968, the MAIS has certified the educational integrity of its member schools, which have taken great pride in providing exceptional educational opportunities for children in the State of Mississippi and surrounding states.