The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) announced today that 201 schools and school systems in 23 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and 17 other countries have earned accreditation or reaccreditation, the gold standard for measuring and advancing school improvement.
“Schools that earn Middle States accreditation or reaccreditation are to be commended for their commitment to excellence and for evolving to meet the changing needs of students,” said Christian Talbot, president of MSA-CESS. “In pursuing accreditation, a voluntary process that helps schools set and achieve goals, schools and school leaders show they are doing everything they can to support their school community.”
Middle States accredits preK-12 public, private, parochial, and charter schools. In addition, MSA-CESS accredits non-degree granting career and technical post-secondary institutions and learning services providers.
Middle States accreditation is a multifaceted evaluation process that schools and school systems voluntarily use to demonstrate they are meeting a defined set of research-based performance standards.
The accreditation process begins with a self-study that is conducted by the school or school system and requires input from school leaders, teachers, parents, and students. Following the self-study, a team of volunteer educators from Middle States member schools conducts a peer review.
The peer review team makes its recommendation for accreditation or reaccreditation to the Middle States Association Commissions, which voted on the recommendations at its biannual meeting, held in Philadelphia, Pa., last week.
A full list of schools and school systems that earned accreditation or reaccreditation is available here.
