Accreditation
Matters
THE ACCREDITING COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS & COLLEGES
Independent International Accreditation
International Accreditation for Schools, Colleges, Universities & Educational Organizations
ACISC provides an independent framework for evaluating eligible educational institutions against defined standards, documented evidence, and quality-assurance principles.
A Structured Approach to Quality Assurance —
The ACISC Accreditation Process
ACISC's accreditation framework begins with an assessment of institutional eligibility and readiness. Institutions proceeding through accreditation are required to provide documentation and evidence relevant to the applicable standards and undergo evaluation as specified by the accreditation process.
Depending on the accreditation framework and stage of review, the process may include:
Eligibility and Initial Assessment
Institutions first establish whether they meet the applicable requirements to enter the accreditation process.
Eligibility is not accreditation. It is an initial determination of whether an institution may proceed.
Institutional Self-Evaluation
The institution examines its own policies, practices, resources, educational provision, and effectiveness against applicable accreditation standards.
Evidence-Based Evaluation
Documentation, institutional information, and other relevant evidence are reviewed to assess alignment with the applicable standards.
External Evaluation
Where required by the applicable accreditation process, ACISC conducts an external evaluation to provide an independent assessment of the institution.
Accreditation Decision
Accreditation is granted only following the applicable review and decision-making process. An institution's accreditation status should always be verified through ACISC's official institutional records.
Standards That Support Educational Quality
ACISC's accreditation approach emphasizes institutional practices that contribute to quality education and responsible institutional management.
Applicable areas may include:
- Institutional purpose, governance, and leadership
- Academic quality and educational programs
- Teaching and learning
- Faculty and staffing
- Student support and well-being
- Institutional resources and learning environments
- Academic and institutional integrity
- Quality assurance and institutional effectiveness
- Student achievement and relevant outcomes
- Continuous improvement
The specific standards and evidence requirements applicable to an institution depend on the relevant ACISC accreditation framework.
Accreditation, Membership, and Eligibility Are Different
Clear terminology is essential to institutional transparency.
Membership is not accreditation.
An institution may be an ACISC member without holding ACISC accreditation.
Application is not accreditation.
Submitting an accreditation application means that an institution has entered a review process. It does not mean that accreditation has been granted.
Eligibility is not accreditation.
An institution that satisfies eligibility requirements may be permitted to proceed with the accreditation process. Eligibility does not guarantee an accreditation outcome.
Accreditation status must be verified.
Students, parents, educators, institutions, and other stakeholders should verify an institution's current accreditation status, scope, effective date, and applicable period directly through ACISC's official records.
ACISC™ | The Accrediting Council of International Schools & Colleges
Accreditation Criteria
ACISC accreditation is based on defined standards, policies, procedures, and evidence requirements applicable to the relevant accreditation framework.
Institutions seeking initial accreditation or renewal are expected to demonstrate alignment with the applicable ACISC accreditation standards and to provide evidence supporting their institutional practices, educational provision, governance, resources, student support, and continuous improvement.
The applicable criteria and evidence requirements may vary according to the accreditation framework, institutional context, and stage of the accreditation process.
Accreditation Process
ACISC accreditation follows a structured process that may include eligibility review, institutional application, self-evaluation, evidence review, external evaluation, institutional response, independent review, and an accreditation decision.
The specific requirements and stages applicable to an institution depend on the relevant ACISC accreditation framework and its circumstances.
INSTITUTIONS
Verify accreditation, view institutional notes, and review historical information on current and past ACISC™ member institutions.
RECENT ACTIONS
Find summaries of recent and historical accreditation actions, including applicable sanctions, conditions, and designations, published through ACISC's official records.
OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
ACISC’s strategic priorities guide our commitment to educational quality, institutional integrity, student well-being, independent accreditation, and continuous improvement.
PUBLIC COMMENT
File a third-party comment before an institutional comprehensive evaluation, and ACISC™ will forward that public input to the evaluation team and the institution.
Supporting Educational Quality Across International Contexts
ACISC supports institutions in strengthening educational quality, institutional effectiveness, continuous improvement, and responsible educational practice within their respective national and international contexts.
ACISC accreditation is an independent quality-assurance process. It does not replace or supersede applicable governmental authorization, licensing, regulatory approval, or other legal requirements.
