School Resources
School Accreditation Information
Accredited Members Accreditation Candidates
ACCS AccreditationWhile the ACCS accreditation process follows a familiar pattern of self-study followed by on-site visit, the focus of this process is carefully targeted at the most important elements of successful schools.
ACCS accreditation measures how well schools are consistently implementing a Christian and classical philosophy of education throughout the entire school organization from school board oversight to classroom pedagogy, including student participation, conduct, and development, staff training, parent-teacher relations, operational and financial policies, community support, and the overall spiritual demeanor in the school classrooms. Accredited schools integrate Scripture throughout their schools curricula and demonstrate conformity with the Trivium in their teaching.
When schools are accepted as accreditation candidates by ACCS, they gain a partner who is committed to helping these schools improve through the accreditation process.
Accreditation Standards
The standards for the ACCS classical and Christian School accreditation program are available to all. The accreditation handbook, which contains all of the information necessary for schools deciding whether or not to seek accreditation, is available by request.
Download the Standards:
ACCS classical and Christian school accreditation program (PDF)
Note: This document only contains the standards for accreditation, not the application for school accreditation or other materials required for ACCS school accreditation. Page numbers reflect pages excerpted from the complete handbook. Click on the above link to download the standards.
Accreditation Handbook:
To receive a copy of the accreditation handbook, click here.
You will be redirected to a page where you may submit your request.
PDF copies of the handbook are available at no charge. We do require that you send up your contact information. Hard copies of the handbook are available for $15.00.
Candidacy is a Partnership
Once schools are approved for candidacy status, ACCS becomes a partner to the school. ACCS and the school will work together to see that the school understands and is prepared for each step of the accreditation process. Candidate schools are welcome and encouraged to check with the ACCS Executive Director as they work through the accreditation process. He may also refer you to headmasters at other ACCS accredited schools who will also assist in answering your questions or who may be able to provide you with examples to help you as you work toward accreditation. You may also want to consider, as circumstances permit, observing an accreditation visit at another ACCS school. This would need to be coordinated through the Executive Director and paid for by the candidate school.
Teacher Certification
ACCS Teacher Certification is only available for ACCS accredited schools. Teacher certification should verify the presence of demonstrable philosophical understanding and competent teaching skills in the one certified. The ACCS Teacher Certification is established to enable teachers to attain the highest level of classical Christian instruction under the supervision of their school’s administrator, while providing a long term independent record of that accomplishment with ACCS as well as a certificate of achievement for each level of proficiency attained. Read more.