Accreditation

The ultimate goal of the accreditation process is the enhancement of student learning and growth in our schools.

• Strengthen commitment and congruence to mission.
• Facilitate institutional reflection and self-evaluation.
• Affirm the strengths of the school.
• Help identify areas for improvement.
• Provide structure and a timetable for institutional reflection, dialogue, and change.
• Allow for performance measurement against a wide range of standards of good practice.
• Demonstrate the school’s willingness to be held professionally accountable.
• Enhance credibility with its immediate constituents and with the community at large.
• Demonstrate that the school is part of the larger entity of independent school education.
• Focus on the institution rather than on individuals which helps to ensure the long-term health of the school.

Elementary and middle schools interested in accreditation by AISNE should contact Assistant Executive Director Claire Leheny at 781-843-8440.

AISNE Accreditation - Criteria for Schools
AISNE-accredited schools must have:

• A clear statement of mission and philosophy.
• Three or more consecutive grades in kindergarten through grade 9 or equivalent.
• Incorporation as a not-for-profit organization as attested by federal and state records.
• A non-discrimination statement as required by law.
• An appropriately constituted and substantially independent governing board, in accordance with the by-laws of the corporation.
• Policies and procedures to ensure that any perceived or actual conflicts of interest for board members are disclosed and managed appropriately.
• Annual financial audit, performed by an independent certified public accountant, that demonstrates adequate financial resources to carry out its mission.

AISNE is a member in good standing of the NAIS Commission on Accreditation. The AISNE accreditation program is reviewed every 10 years by members of the Commission.