Become a Candidate School
Begin your journey toward accreditation.
Becoming a VAIS Candidate School is the first step toward joining a community committed to educational excellence, continuous improvement, and mission-driven leadership.
The candidacy process is designed to help schools prepare for accreditation through thoughtful reflection, collaborative guidance, and a clear understanding of the VAIS Standards for Membership. Along the way, you’ll work closely with the VAIS team to determine your school’s readiness and to establish a path toward full accreditation.
Accreditation begins with a conversation.
We encourage prospective schools to connect with the VAIS team to discuss your mission, goals, and readiness for the accreditation process. Please begin by submitting an interest form.
What you’ll need
- A clearly defined mission and educational philosophy
- Governance by an independent board of trustees
- Nonprofit, tax-exempt status
- Academic integrity and mission-driven programming
- An academic program serving at least three consecutive grade levels
- At least three years of successful operation before applying for candidacy
- A commitment to meeting the VAIS Standards for Membership