Join SAIS

(A school must first be a member to seek accreditation; all members must seek accreditation.)

1

REFLECT

The school assesses all aspects of its operation to demonstrate compliance with each standard of SAIS accreditation.

2

REPORT

The school develops comprehensive, mission-based, strategic goals based on input from all parts of the school community.

3

REVIEW

The school hosts a 2.5-day visit by a team of school leaders who will offer constructive feedback about how to achieve the strategic goals.

18-24 Months before the visit

Submit a Request for Participation (RFP), Attend an accreditation workshop, Designate the school’s accreditation coordinator and steering committee.

1

Collect stakeholder feedback and other data for the purposes of the self-study process.

2

Begin working on School Snapshot and responses to standards and indicators.

10-12 Months before the visit

1

Collect stakeholder feedback and other data for the purposes of the self-study process.

2

Begin working on School Snapshot and responses to standards and indicators.

3

SAIS visiting team chair assigned.

6-8 Months before the visit

School Snapshot and responses to standards and indicators due two weeks before the preliminary visit.

1

Preliminary visit: one day on campus with accreditation team chair.

2

Continue self-study process and explore prioritized goals.

3

Discuss visit schedule and logistics with chair at preliminary visit.

2-4 Months before the visit

2

Prepare and edit Self-Study Report.

3

Prepare school community for team visit.

1 Month before the visit

2

Submit Self-Study Report in portal.

3

Visiting team members review materials—specifically the Self-Study Report—in preparation for the visit.

During the visit

1

While the preliminary visit is intended to verify compliance, team members are encouraged to review the school’s responses to standards and indicators as well.

2

Team members meet with stakeholders to learn more about each of the school’s goals. They then draft a report that includes commendations and recommendations.

3

Relax and put your best foot forward. Ensure that the visiting team has access to stakeholder groups, classroom observations, and a private workroom in which to draft their report.

After the visit

2

The visiting team chair will submit the report no later than 10 days after the visit. The school will have an opportunity to review the report in the portal for factual accuracy.

3

SAIS Accreditation Review Committee will meet within two months of the visit and make a final recommendation regarding accreditation status.

Two years after the visit

1

Begin working on School Snapshot, Engagement Questions, and responses to standards and indicators.

2

Collect stakeholder feedback and other data for the purposes of the self-study process.