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Accreditation
CAIS Accreditation drives each school to be accountable to all of its constituents, to be more intentional in its practices, and to constantly strive for excellence.
All good schools continually evaluate their program and operations; however, self-evaluation alone can fall short with a limited internal perspective. Periodically supplementing self-evaluation with an external review can offer schools a new viewpoint that may otherwise go unrecognized and act as a catalyst for change.
The CAIS accreditation process is designed to achieve the dual purpose of accountability and school improvement - holding schools accountable to the highest National Standards while guiding them through a continuous whole school improvement process, which combines both an internal self-evaluation and an external peer review.
Accreditation Guidelines
CAIS National Standards
Vision, Mission, Value & Strategy
The school has clear mission, vision, values and strategy. These statements are understood and accepted by all constituencies: Board, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and students. The statements give direction to the Strategic Plan (including curricular, co-curricular, financial, organizational) to ensure that all facets of school life are in alignment.
Co-Curricular & Learning Environment
The school promotes and acts upon the academic, emotional, physical and social potentials of all its members within an ethical community.
Academic Program
The school’s program is congruent with its mission and strategy; it is based upon an articulated philosophy and research about the ways in which students learn and effective ways to teach them.
School Leadership
The school has an overall administrative organization, which communicates, carries out and supports the school's mission and strategic plan.
Human Resources
The school’s Human Resources strategy is in place to ensure that the people practices and policies support the educational purpose of the school and are aligned with the vision, mission, values and strategies.
School & Community
The constituent relations, communications, and fundraising programs of the school are well planned and effective, both serving the community and engaging them in achieving the school’s mission. As well, the school has established systems and procedures to maintain harmonious relationships with the community in which it exists.
Enrolment Management
The school has defined those qualities that constitute a “mission appropriate” student and has established policies and procedures for enrolment management that ensures that the school is enrolling mission appropriate students.
Governance
The Board’s membership, structure and processes advance the school’s mission, vision and long-term viability; and the Board operates in fiduciary, strategic and generative modes.
Finance
The school’s financial resources and financial planning are adequate to support the school’s mission and to sustain the school’s long-term permanence and strength.
Physical Plant, Health & Safety
The physical plant, grounds and operations of the school support the vision, mission and programs of the school. The school has established and effectively implemented guidelines and procedures that promote a safe and healthy school environment.
Commitment to School Improvement
The school demonstrates a commitment to continuous whole school improvement.
Boarding Program
The Boarding program operates in a way that assures an enriched and extended learning experience for all students.