ACSI offers a variety of accreditation and school improvement programs for a variety of ages and types of schools worldwide.
Reach Accreditation
Revision Launch—it’s finally completed!
ACSI proudly announces the launch of a comprehensive, innovative EE–12 accreditation process, REACH.
Reaching
Excellence through
Accreditation and
Continuous Improvement for
Higher achievement
REACH: Accreditation Manual for EE–12 North American and International Schools has been developed as a new model for accreditation. The document includes comprehensive declarations of quality procedures and practices that should exist in schools and early education programs (schools/programs) that are striving to achieve superior performance and strong effectiveness based on educational research and quality practices from a distinctively Christian perspective.
The manual includes the standards and indicators for all ages that a school/program may serve. All ten standards apply to each level, grades EE–12. Some indicators apply to a specific age group that your school/program may not serve. In an effort to be comprehensive, indicators are included that span a broad range of school age levels.
Each standard has a set of corresponding indicators, a rationale/impact statement, and rubrics. The indicators are descriptions of exemplary practices, processes, and procedures that would be seen in educational programs that are highly effective in meeting the standards. They provide greater clarity of quality practices for each standard. The rationale/impact statement describes what would be observable and supportable in an educational entity that is effectively putting the standard into practice. The rubrics have been developed to assist the school/program in a self-evaluating process to determine compliance with the standards.
The standards, rationale/impact statements, indicators, and rubrics are meant to be viewed as an entire entity and not stand-alone pieces to be met in isolation. Each has an impact on the other, and each plays a major part in the overall effectiveness for educational improvement and student growth, as well as for program improvement and development of the whole child.
This tool addresses the unique needs of both K–12 schools and 
early education programs, and can be purchased today
from Purposeful Design Publications
Early Education Programs:
2001/2008 Accreditation Process Comparison
Core Goal
The 2008 ACSI process is thought provoking in its approach, stimulating in its methods, and efficient in its procedures. Its core goal is to provoke a reflective and interactive dialog among the stakeholders of a school/program. The school/program will be positioned to refine its strategic plan for student learning and organizational effectiveness, on the basis of its reflection on each of the ten standards and the insights of the visiting team.
Exceeding Expectations
Our aim is to exceed your expectations in customer service. We will continue to streamline the process through electronic delivery of information. Watch for announcements that will impact your program.
ACSI regional offices will be your singular interface through every facet of the program. Regional team members are excited to introduce you to the new process, answer your questions, and engage your school in ongoing improvement activities.
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Steps Toward Achieving Recognition (STAR)
Designed to assist non-accredited ACSI member schools with a formal process of school improvement that will lead schools toward recognition and possibly toward accreditation with ACSI.
Is your program not ready to begin the full process of accreditation? Read more information about the STAR improvement program.
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Accreditation by School Progress (ASP)
The Accreditation by School Progress (ASP) is an exciting alternative approach to school accreditation. It is designed for currently accredited ACSI schools to focus on one or more areas of school-wide improvement for reaccreditation.
ASP is an ongoing, five-year, dynamic school improvement process that assists Christian educators in continuing their drive toward excellence for their schools. As with the traditional accreditation process, ASP asks schools to assess their existence in light of a biblical philosophy of education.
Schools desiring to enter the ASP process must give evidence that they are strong, stable, viable Christian schools. Accountability for standards from the traditional accreditation process is still required.
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Boarding Accreditation
ACSI Boarding Accreditation was originally developed for schools serving the missionary community, and that is still the case. We anticipate other schools offering boarding and stand-alone hostels, will want to consider this program. A revision of the current manual is in progress.
Benefits of Boarding Accreditation
While not related to academic considerations like the transferability of credits or preparation for university, boarding accreditation brings many of the benefits of school accreditation to the context of boarding. For example, accredited boarding programs have demonstrated openness, accountability and a commitment to standards of boarding care recognized by professional counselors, career practitioners, and mission agencies.
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