Membership Requirements
ICAISA Member associations voluntarily commit to engage in a ten-year review cycle that includes a rigorous and impartial review of its accreditation program through self-study, peer visitation, and interim and annual reporting. An assigned review team is charged with confirming compliance with all of the Criteria in the course of its visits and observations.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) joined ICASA because of the sharing of best practices and the strong professional network of K-12 accreditors. The interaction with fellow accreditors is the best professional development for accreditation leaders.
– Barry Groves, Executive Director, WASC
ICAISA members must meet the following criteria:
- Be incorporated as a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or equivalent not-for-profit international entity.
- Have at least five years of experience as a fully functioning accrediting association.
- Adhere to non-discrimination practices in hiring.
- Have an accrediting process with the primary purpose of reviewing and accrediting nonprofit independent elementary schools with minimally three consecutive primary and/or middle grades (defined as between grades one through eight), and/or nonprofit independent secondary schools with minimally four consecutive grades, or the international equivalent.
- Comply with the ICAISA Criteria for Effective Independent School Accreditation Practices
- Successfully complete the ongoing renewal and interim review process as outlined in the ICAISA Review Guidelines and conducted by representatives of the ICAISA Council.
- Commit to attendance by the association’s Executive Director (or equivalent title) at all meetings of the Council and participate actively in committees.
- Complete all required report submissions, including an Annual Report.
- Submit timely payment of all membership dues and meeting registration fees.
Associations interested in membership in ICAISA are asked to contact ICAISA Executive Director, Bonnie Ricci, at bonnie@icaisa.org.
