American School Certification
Recognize your international institutions’ commitment to high-quality education aligned to U.S. instructional practices.
Empower global learners with effective American education
Now more than ever, learners are seeking educational experiences that can adequately prepare them for their future college and career pathways. Cognia American School Certification supports international schools that help prepare students through aligned, college & career-focused American educational experiences. With this certification, international institutions can strengthen their credibility and global appeal.
Our certification for effective American schools empowers international institutions to:
- Demonstrate alignment with U.S. standards and college readiness
- Validate the quality of English-language instruction
- Support continuous improvement through proven frameworks
- Prepare learners for U.S. university admission and career pathways
Start your American school certification journey
Cognia American School Certification is available to accredited institutions outside of the U.S. that deliver a comprehensive American educational experience.
Certification is designed for institutions outside of the U.S. that:
- Adhere to an educational philosophy and curriculum aligned with U.S. standards in which learners demonstrate English-language fluency
- Are led wholly by graduate-level staff from a recognized, accredited English-medium institution of higher education
The certification provides a rigorous and effective framework for evaluating schools, with certification requirements that emphasize the distinctive elements of the American educational experience.
Certification requirements snapshot
✔ Commitment to U.S. educational philosophy
✔ Ongoing professional learning for staff
✔ Membership in global education networks
✔ Graduate-level leadership credentials
✔ English-language proficiency for staff & students
✔ Comprehensive U.S.-style curriculum
✔ College & career readiness focus
✔ Valid, reliable assessments in English
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Cognia Accreditation and Cognia American School Certification?
The Cognia Accreditation process evaluates an institution’s overall ability to provide high-quality education and commit to ongoing improvement. American School Certification evaluates whether and how an international institution has fulfilled its role in providing education aligned with U.S. standards and philosophy.
Can my institution earn Cognia Accreditation and Cognia American School Certification at the same time?
New members seeking certification have the option to earn it alongside Cognia Accreditation and will undergo a simultaneous review. The institution will be due for reaccreditation and recertification at least every six years.
Institutions already accredited by Cognia may seek initial American school certification outside of the accreditation term by hosting an off-cycle certification review. Once initially certified, the American school certification and accreditation terms will align.
Can my institution receive Cognia American School Certification if we are accredited by another provider?
If your institution is accredited by another regional accreditor, you may pursue any Cognia American School Certification. If you would like to become accredited by Cognia, you’ll receive unsurpassed resources, including observation tools, surveys, and access to our online professional learning platform.