What school accreditation (CIS, WASC, NEASC, Cognia, BSO) tells you

This guide is for parents wondering what the accreditation logos on school websites mean, based on each accreditor's official description.

The main accreditors

• CIS (Council of International Schools): evaluation and accreditation focused on developing global citizens. CIS says ministries and universities recognise it as quality assurance, and CIS itself is accredited by ICAISA.
• ACS WASC: one of four US regional accreditors, serving over 5,500 schools including in Asia and the Pacific. The school writes a self-study and action plan, a visiting committee validates it, and progress is reported every year.
• NEASC: the ACE Learning pathway for international schools runs on about a five-year cycle, with 12-18 months of internal reflection before an external visit decides the status. Schools falling short go through warning or probation.
• Cognia: since October 2025, results come in four statuses (Distinction, Merit, Accredited, Needing Improvement).
• UK DfE BSO: a voluntary scheme with inspections every three years by approved inspectorates; reports are on GOV.UK. The DfE has no jurisdiction over overseas schools.

Check national systems too

• Thailand: by law, international schools must be accredited by an overseas agency recognised by OPEC by the end of their fifth year, and by the national body ONESQA.
• Dubai: KHDA rates private schools on six levels (Outstanding to Very Weak); in 2023-24, 81% of students attended schools rated Good or better.

What accreditation does not tell you

Accreditation shows standards are met and reviewed regularly; it does not tell you whether a school suits your child. Reading the recommendations in the latest report alongside the status tells you more.

Checklist

• Which bodies accredit the school?
• Is the accreditation complete or still in candidacy?
• Have you read the latest review or inspection report?
• Is there a government rating in that country (for example KHDA)?
• Does your university plan depend on accreditation (for example Japanese university eligibility)?

Ask the school

• Current status and the date of the next review
• Key recommendations from the last report and the school's plan
• Government registration and licence status

Status can change, so check on the accreditor's own site.