Mission

The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, (NEASC) a self-regulatory membership organization, serves the public and educational community by developing and applying standards, assessing the educational effectiveness of pre-school, elementary, middle, secondary, and postsecondary educational institutions. Processes of self-evaluation and peer review utilizing the Association’s goals assure and improve the quality of institutions, which seek and hold NEASC accreditation. It also endeavors to inform public discourse about educational improvement. The association and its Commissions provide leadership within the education community in developing standards and applying peer review.

Statement of Role and Scope

One of six regional accrediting associations in the United States, the work of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges is carried out by four Commissions representing distinct sectors of educational institutions. Comprised of professional educators from member institutions and representatives of the public interest, each Commission develops, makes public and applies standards for the assessment of educational effectiveness, subject to the approval of the Association’s Board of Trustees. In this way, public assurance is provided as to the quality of institutions granted membership. Through commission processes which focus on institutional self-evaluation and self-improvement, affiliated institutions are encouraged and assisted in enhancing their effectiveness.

While initially devoting exclusive attention to New England schools and colleges, the Association accredits educational institutions internationally, particularly in the elementary and secondary sectors through its Commission on American and International Schools Abroad. In doing so, it not only encourages their improvement and excellence, but it also advances the ideal of self-regulation through peer review in regions outside the United States.

Among educational organizations, the New England Association uniquely comprises both schools and colleges. Its structure and activities reflect the unity of educational institutions represented by the membership of the Association. 

The New England Association of Schools and Colleges is an advocate of educational quality and its improvement for all. Drawing upon its considerable experience, it serves as a public policy resource on issues related to the condition of New England education. It sustains and advances the principles of self-regulation and peer review.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on December 3, 2008.