ACCREDITATION

ACIS accreditation is recognized by the State of Colorado and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). As a member in good standing of the NAIS Commission on Accreditation, ACIS conforms to the Commission’s Criteria for Effective Independent School Accreditation Practices. Every ten years the Commission routinely conducts a thorough review of each member’s accreditation program to ensure that it meets or exceeds those standards. The NAIS Commission on Accreditation re-certified the ACIS accreditation program in June 2009.

Member schools in ACIS make a commitment to continual school improvement when they join the association. A seven year evaluation cycle holds them accountable for complying with the Association’s high accreditation standards. The evaluation cycle begins with two years of preparatory work, including a rigorous self-study process in which the school community conducts an honest and comprehensive analysis of its strengths and challenges in every area of the school.

In year three of the cycle, ACIS appoints an evaluation team that spends four days on campus to conduct interviews and classroom observations, review documents, and develop their own assessment of the school’s strengths and challenges in response to the school community’s self-evaluation. During the school visit, the team evaluates the school’s compliance with government regulations and the NAIS Principles of Good Practice. The team gives special attention to evaluating compliance with ACIS standards, particularly the congruency between the school’s mission and educational program. That comprehensive evaluation includes: the educational program, board governance, financial management, facilities, personnel management, and all other aspects of school administration.

The ACIS Board makes the final determination about a school’s accreditation or re-accreditation, based on a careful assessment of the visiting team report. In subsequent years, the school community must address any recommendations for improvement that resulted from the evaluation visit.

Every seven years the process starts over again to ensure that ACIS schools are continually updating their programs and working to improve service to students and families. While there are no guarantees, ACIS accreditation provides a reasonable assurance of quality regarding the education and learning experience provided by member schools.

Related Documents

ACIS Seven Year Accreditation Cycle
List of Accredited Member Schools & Candidacy Member Schools (working toward accreditation)
NAIS Commission on Accreditation Certification 2009
CO Recognition of Six Associations
Policy on Complaints Against ACIS Accredited Schools