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Pathways to Accreditation

NEASC offers schools several pathways to accreditation to help schools in their growth and transformation. We understand that schools are at various places in their development, and they have needs that require a personalized approach.

Though each accreditation pathway is distinctive, all are grounded in the development or affirmation of strong foundations for an effective school, as well as a deep focus on high-quality teaching and learning. 

Independent Schools
in the US and Canada

Traditional day and boarding schools, religious schools, private elementary schools, and various other non-public schools

International
Schools

International and American schools, national schools with embedded international programs, online schools, and education service providers

Public Schools and Districts
in the US

Public schools, career and technical schools/centers, and public school districts

We believe that one size does not fit all when it comes to school improvement and transformation. Informed by school type, capacity, readiness, and goals for the process, the NEASC team will help you determine the best pathway for your school and its unique context.


We are very pleased with our new NEASC relationship. Our recent accreditation visit reaffirmed the decision to partner with such a forward-thinking organization. This is the first time I have looked forward to an upcoming re-accreditation process, because it is so clearly aligned with our focus on learning. Our school community came away very reassured and we look forward to the next steps in our journey together.

Richard Boerner, Superintendent,The American School of São Paulo, Brazil


Joint Accreditation

NEASC has formal agreements with several accreditation associations whose reviewed standards and processes align, allowing NEASC schools to pursue joint or co-accreditation. The specifics of each arrangement and process vary by association, but in every case, both agencies appoint representatives to visit the school, and each makes its accreditation decision independently. 

For independent schools in the US, NEASC has the following agreements and partnerships for cooperative/joint accreditation: 

  • CAIS (Canadian Association of Independent Schools) 
  • CAIS (Connecticut Association of Independent Schools) 
  • AMS (American Montessori Society) 

For international schools, NEASC has the following agreements and partnerships: 

  • Asociación Montessori Española (AME, Spain): NEASC Works collaboratively with AME for accreditation of Montessori schools in Spain. 
  • COBIS: COBIS members are offered a streamlined avenue to NEASC accreditation with subsequent cycles following the NEASC ACE Protocol. 
  • CIS (Council of International Schools): Joint Accreditation via the CIS framework.
  • ONESQA (Thailand): NEASC partners with ONESQA with schools in Thailand; ONESQA provides peer visitors to teams at the External Review phase, focusing on Thai language and Culture. 
  • KHDA (UAE): NEASC and KHDA collaborate on some visits to American curriculum schools, with KHDA focusing on local regulations. 
  • ETEC (Saudi Arabia): NEASC is an approved accreditor with ETEC in KSA and coordinates aspects of the process. 

For more information on the current agreements and partnerships listed, please contact the NEASC team.