Accreditation
Demonstrate your commitment to high-quality education with modern, flexible, rigorous accreditation.
Accelerate improvement—showcase credibility
Cognia Accreditation is designed for progress, not pressure. Whether your institution is new, emerging, or established, we provide a clear, evidence-based framework that builds confidence, strengthens readiness, and fosters continuous improvement over time.
With more than 130 years of experience, we continue to evolve and meet PreK–12 and postsecondary institutions where they are while maintaining rigorous, meaningful expectations for quality and growth.
Cognia Accreditation is respected worldwide, providing an independent mark of quality in more than 100 countries. Our performance-based accreditation statuses honor improvement and recognize achievement.
We serve:
- Charter schools and charter school authorizers
- Corporations
- Digital learning
- DoWEA
- Early learning*
- Education service agencies
- Emerging schools
- Microschools
- Non-Public including Catholic schools, dioceses, and other faith-based affiliates
- Postsecondary
- Schools
- Special purpose
- State education agencies
- Systems
*Early and extended learning institutions undergo a Candidacy pathway, instead of Initial Accreditation, before pursuing accreditation.
Start your accreditation journey
Our streamlined approach to accreditation respects local context and maintains high expectations to meet institutions where they are. Pursuing Cognia Accreditation starts with Membership, setting your institution on a continuous improvement journey.
Institutions can pursue American school, board governance, competency-based education, and STEM certifications alongside accreditation to elevate their programs.
Ensure high-quality teaching and learning
The Requirements and Standards
- Essential Requirements for Initial Accreditation
- Performance Standards for K–12 and Postsecondary Institutions
- Performance Standards for Early Learning Schools
- Performance Standards for Education Service Organizations
- Performance Standards for Extended Learning Programs
- Performance Standards for State Education Agencies
Be inspired by success stories from Cognia schools and systems
Frequently asked questions
What role does the Cognia Global Commission play?
An institution seeking Cognia Accreditation demonstrates alignment with Cognia expectations appropriate to its stage, either through meeting the Essential Requirements for Initial Accreditation or applying the Cognia Performance Standards for Continuing Accreditation. Once confirmed by the Cognia Global Commission, institutions are granted accreditation and may display the Cognia Accreditation seal to reflect their commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
Is Cognia Accreditation recognized by universities?
Yes, Cognia Accreditation— through our regional accrediting agencies, SACS CASI, NCA CASI, and NWAC—is globally recognized by universities, higher education institutions, state departments of education, and ministries of education. Cognia Accreditation signifies that a school meets or exceeds rigorous standards of educational quality and effectiveness, which can enhance the credibility of the institution and the academic preparation of its students.
Where can I find accredited schools near me?
You can find one of our 40,000 institutions through a search on our website. The system allows you to conduct an advanced search by name, country, state, and institution type.
What is timeframe for Initial Accreditation?
The time commitment required to become accredited by Cognia can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your institution. In general, Initial Accreditation can be completed within six months.
Does Cognia provide training for school boards and governing bodies as a part of the continuous improvement process for accreditation?
Cognia offers training for school boards and governing bodies within our global network. In a 2-3-hour interactive session, school board members and governing bodies explore the meaning of continuous improvement and discover their essential roles and responsibilities as they relate to Cognia’s Accreditation Performance Standards and Assurances in defining high-quality educational institutions.