Accreditation Standards

VAIS accreditation is a perpetual cycle of assessment, planning, and improvement for member schools, beginning with the Initial Evaluation. Once fully accredited, a school becomes part of the ten-year accreditation cycle that requires both Interim and Ten-Year Evaluations in turn. The process is based on a regular, professional peer assessment of the degree to which a member school supports its stated mission in a thoughtful, sustainable, and responsible manner and meets the VAIS Standards for Membership. VAIS accreditation is collaborative and focused on magnifying strengths and creating opportunities for growth.

Eleven standards provide criteria for best practices at all levels of school operations, governance, and culture.

  1. The school’s mission guides its policies and practices and is evident in the climate, culture, and program of the school.
  2. The program fulfills the educational and developmental needs of the students and meets the requirements of learning and living in a diverse and globally-connected society.
  3. The school effectively communicates its value and cultivates a community that advances the mission of the school.
  4. The faculty, administration, and staff support the mission of the school, are qualified for their positions, engage in ongoing evaluation and professional growth, and effectively implement the program.
  5. The Head of School serves as the chief executive, is the sole employee of and only direct report to the governing body, and is ultimately responsible for the operational and educational management of the school.
  1. The governing body of the school is independent with clearly defined responsibilities and partners with the Head of School to ensure implementation of fiduciary policies and strategic planning.
  2. The governing body and the Head of School jointly assure that the financial resources are managed responsibly and support the school’s mission and financial health.
  3. The school’s facilities and equipment are sufficient to meet the needs of the program and are maintained to provide an effective and safe learning environment.
  4. The school’s care for the health, safety, and well-being of its students and employees is evident in its policies and practices.
  5. [IF APPLICABLE] The residential program is so conceived and staffed as to reflect the mission of the school and provide a healthy and safe environment. A residential program is defined as any program where students housed on or off campus fall under the direct responsibility of the school after the school day has ended.
  6. [IF APPLICABLE] The preschool and/or extended day program is conceived and staffed so as to reflect the mission of the school and provide a healthy, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment.

Requirements of Membership

Member schools are required to maintain accreditation through continuous reflection and ongoing improvement. Foundational requirements include:

  • Articulating a clearly stated mission and guiding principles of both education and inclusivity
  • Upholding non-discriminatory policies and practices in admissions, employment, and all other aspects of school operation, as provided by law
  • Incorporating as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization under IRS ruling
  • Adhering to governance by an independent Board of Trustees
  • Practicing academic integrity, i.e., freedom to promote diversity in pedagogy and curriculum without restriction to any single dogma
  • Participating in VAIS membership through: accreditation maintenance, evaluation, and adherence to VAIS Standards for Membership; professional learning and service on accreditation teams; representation at one of the bi-annual business meetings and all special meetings during the fiscal year; and paying annual dues

Recognition of VAIS Accreditation

The Virginia State Board of Education recognizes VAIS accreditation through approval by the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE). Composed of state, regional, and international accrediting associations, the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA) also recognizes VAIS accreditation for its excellence. The recognition of VAIS Accreditation benefits schools, teachers, and families by:

  • Ensuring the transfer of student credits to a public school,
  • Validating the excellence of member schools for university and college admissions,
  • Being recognized by the College Board as an accrediting body for secondary schools in Virginia, and
  • Accrediting schools eligible for certification by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

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