For Immediate Release:
Philadelphia, PA – The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) announced that 242 schools and school systems across 28 states, Puerto Rico, and 28 countries have earned accreditation or reaccreditation during the Fall 2025 accreditation cycle.
These actions reflect Middle States’ longstanding mission to uphold a rigorous, research-based standard for continuous school improvement, institutional effectiveness, and student learning.
Christian Talbot, President of MSA-CESS, shared that this cycle represents the strength and diversity of the global Middle States community. He noted that schools earning accreditation demonstrate a commitment to thoughtful reflection, transparent governance, and meaningful improvement that benefits students and educators across regions and contexts.
“Accreditation is an ongoing journey that asks schools to examine not only their outcomes, but also their systems, culture, and values,” Talbot said. “Every school recognized this fall has shown a deep dedication to learning, leadership, and growth at a moment when the landscape of education continues to evolve.”
Initial Accreditation: Individual Schools
A total of more than 90 individual schools earned initial accreditation following a comprehensive, multi-step evaluation of mission, instructional quality, student services, leadership capacity, and strategic improvement planning.
These institutions represent a wide range of educational models, including independent schools, faith-based schools, career and technical programs, virtual learning environments, and international schools.
Highlights from this cohort include schools from
Lebanon, South Korea, Canada, Iraq, Japan, China, France, Nigeria, Brazil, and the United States, demonstrating MSA’s expanding global reach.
Reaccreditation: Individual Schools
More than 130 schools successfully completed the reaccreditation process, reaffirming their alignment with Middle States’ performance standards and their commitment to ongoing improvement.
This group includes long-standing MSA members as well as rapidly growing institutions in regions such as the Middle East, East Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America.
Reaccredited schools include American International School of Vienna (Austria), Colegio Ponceño (Puerto Rico), Sacred Heart schools across multiple states, Kumon regional centers, New English School in Amman (Jordan), International Christian School of Lima (Peru), and international programs in China, Egypt, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
System Accreditation
MSA-CESS also approved accreditation for multiple school systems, including independent school networks, diocesan systems, international school groups, and large public school districts.
Among this fall’s honorees are:
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BASIS Independent Schools, serving campuses in Arizona, New York, and Virginia
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The Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Elementary Schools, Pittsburgh, PA
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International Schools Group, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia
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Rocketship Education D.C. Public Charter School
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School District of Philadelphia – 3rd Cycle (Systems), including Central High School, Bodine High School for International Affairs, Strawberry Mansion High School, Hill-Freedman World Academy, and others
These systems demonstrated strong leadership, collaborative improvement structures, and consistent student-centered practices across multiple campuses.
A full list of all Fall accreditation actions can be viewed here.
About Middle States Association (MSA-CESS)
Founded in 1887, the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) is a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. MSA provides accreditation services to public, private, faith-based, charter, and international schools, as well as learning services providers and career and technical education programs.
Accreditation through MSA serves as a trusted framework that helps schools establish priorities, strengthen systems, and create long-term plans that support high achievement for all learners.
For more information, visit www.msa-cess.org.
