Support for your accreditation journey

USAAC provides accreditation for a wide range of institutions including K–12 schools, international schools, bilingual and multilingual programs, online learning providers, technical/vocational training centers, and specialized education programs (e.g., robotics, AI, leadership). Each accreditation is tailored to the institution’s focus and mission.

USAAC combines a rigorous whole-school foundation with specialist, future-focused endorsements:

• USAAC Core: whole-school quality, with a safeguarding gate every school must meet
• Eight endorsements, such as AI, Digital Learning & Online Safety; STEAM & Robotics; Health & Wellbeing; and Sustainable & Green Schools
• Published rubrics: every standard describes what Established, Advanced and Elite practice looks like

Each topic is assessed in exactly one framework, so schools are never reviewed twice for the same practice.

Yes. USAAC’s standards are benchmarked against globally recognized frameworks including OECD Future of Education, UNESCO Education 2030, ISTE, and international education quality indicators. USAAC-accredited schools are part of a growing global network of institutions recognized for innovation and excellence.

Absolutely. USAAC is a global accrediting body. Schools in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America are welcome to apply. We offer virtual site visits, multilingual support, and regional liaisons to facilitate the process.

Yes. Endorsements are awarded together with, or after, USAAC Core, and Core plus any endorsements are reviewed in one combined self-study and peer review, with shared evidence submitted once. Schools holding Core and every endorsement in a pathway may use a pathway title:

• Future-Ready School: Core + IEC + LCD
• Digital Excellence School: Core + AIDL + SRA
• Whole-Child School: Core + HWB + IAL + LCD
• Global Citizen School: Core + LGC + SGS

On average, the full process takes 3 to 6 months, depending on how quickly your institution completes the self-study and documentation. Fast-track reviews are available for schools with existing accreditation.

A trained USAAC review team will:

• Validate your self-study
• Visit (in person or virtually) your classrooms, labs, and learning spaces
• Conduct interviews with students, teachers, and administrators
• Review your policies, student work, and assessments

A summary report with commendations and recommendations is issued after the visit.

No. USAAC uses a best-fit approach with a few must-haves:

• Established: at least 75% of standards at Established or above, or 65% when at least a quarter are at Advanced or Elite, including every leadership standard (and, for Core, safer recruitment, health & safety and the safeguarding gate)
• Advanced: no standard still Developing, and at least 60% at Advanced or above, with at least one Advanced standard in every area
• Elite: the Advanced requirements, at least 75% at Advanced or above, and at least one third at Elite across at least half of the areas

Standards still developing are recorded with an improvement plan, and you can move up a level at any later review.

USAAC offers developmental support. You may receive:

• Provisional Accreditation (valid for 1 year)
• A corrective action plan with mentorship
• The opportunity to reapply within 12 months after addressing the concerns

All candidate institutions receive:

• Access to the Candidate Portal
• A dedicated USAAC advisor
• Training sessions and webinars
• Sample self-studies and templates
• Help desk and technical support

Yes.

• USAAC Core is valid for 5 years, with an interim progress review at 2.5 years and a full re-accreditation review in year 5.
• Endorsements are valid for 3 years, with a short annual update, because specialist practice (especially technology) changes quickly.
• Program Certification is valid for 1 to 3 years depending on the tier.

Renewals can be aligned so Core and endorsements are reviewed together.

Fees vary depending on:

• Type(s) of accreditation
• Size of the institution
• Whether the visit is virtual or on-site

A complete fee schedule is available upon request via our inquiry form.

Yes. Accredited institutions receive:

• A digital certificate and logo
• A website badge
• Social media and PR templates

Usage guidelines are provided to ensure consistent representation of your achievement.