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.
We provide LEADERSHIP —
A Structured 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
CRITERIA
ACISC™ supports the concept that periodic evaluation entered into voluntarily by institutions and their peers enhances the quality of the educational process and demonstrates that self-regulation of a profession is superior to outside regulation.
To help institutions and peer evaluators meet their responsibilities in conducting the process,ACISC™ has developed and periodically has revised a set of policies, procedures, and standards governing the activity. Whether seeking new accreditation or wishing to renew, institutions must be in compliance with these criteria in order to receive ACISC™ accreditation. These criteria incorporate all changes agreed to by the institutions-as well as organizational modifications-since the last published edition.
PROCESS
To be eligible for consideration for accreditation, an institution or entity must satisfy ACISC™ requirements. Use the Self-Assessment Checklist to determine your institution's eligibility.
Following the acceptance of the initial application materials, including the assessment of the institution’s financial stability, an ACISC™ staff member will conduct an Initial Resource Visit. The purpose of this visit is to assess the general eligibility of the institution; verify the enrollment, retention, and placement information submitted in the Annual Institutional Report; and examine other aspects of the institution’s readiness to proceed into the accreditation process.
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 actions, including sanctions and designations which are posted within 30 days of action taken by ACISC™.
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.
Standardizing Quality Education Worldwide
We offer a unique opportunity to facilitate links between guidance/university counsellors and international university admissions professionals who help support students in the transition from school to university. We work together with our members to support the best possible outcome for students interested in international higher education opportunities.
