For general questions about NEASC and Accreditation please visit the main FAQ page.
For questions related to your specific school's accreditation status or process, please email us.
How long does it take to become accredited through NEASC?
Once a school has been granted recognition as a Candidate for Accreditation and has completed necessary preliminary work such as articulating its mission, curriculum, and various policies, the accreditation process takes 12 to 18 months. The school involves the entire community in a structured self-study, usually taking a full academic year, that examines every aspect of school life, assesses compliance with the NEASC Standards, and sets goals for school improvement. The school submits its self-study to the Commission on Independent Schools and hosts a visiting committee of educators from other member schools appointed by NEASC. This committee, usually numbering from 6 to 12 teachers and administrators, validates the self-study, independently assesses the school’s compliance with the Standards, and writes a report to the school and the Commission with commendations and recommendations. The Commission reviews the self-study and the report of the visiting committee in determining the school’s accreditation status. Schools must meet all Standards to be granted accreditation.
How can I get information about a school’s accreditation status and/or copies of its accreditation reports?
A school’s accreditation status is listed in the Directory of Schools. Accreditation reports and correspondence are the property of the school and are released by the school at its discretion. For more details, please refer to the NEASC Policy on "Release of Information by NEASC".
Do the New England states recognize NEASC Accreditation?
Yes. All of the New England states recognize NEASC Accreditation of independent schools as part of their school approval process.
Does NEASC collaborate with any other accrediting agencies?
Yes. NEASC works collaboratively with the American Montessori Society (AMS), the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). Schools sometimes seek joint accreditation with NEASC and these agencies. NEASC works with these agencies to provide an accreditation process which supports the goals of both organizations and the schools. Visiting teams for joint accreditation represent both associations and all reports are shared with both organizations.
Within New England, NEASC shares its accreditation protocol with the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE). Both these agencies accredit some elementary schools in their regions and are aligned philosophically with NEASC regarding the purposes of accreditation.