Accreditation - QSI Virtual School

QSI Schools are accredited through the Middle States Association (MSA). The schools maintain their accreditation with MSA through a continual process of identifying areas for growth and implementing a community-supported action plan to push the boundaries of success and achievement in the identified areas.

Quality Schools International achieved System-wide accreditation through MSA. Systems accreditation allows QSI to reflect on where we are now, where we want to be in 5-7 years, and develop plans to reach our goals. MSA will review QSI’s plans to strengthen our organization and implement organization-wide improvement plans. Each of our schools will still be individually accredited, and MSA teams will visit each of our schools to verify that each school meets the standards for accreditation.

The Middle States Association (MSA) is a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 130 years, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development, and advance student achievement.

In This Section

Why Accreditation Matters

The accreditation process is very valuable for schools. Some of the key benefits can be found below:

Focus on Self-Reflection

Accredited schools engage in a 12-18 month comprehensive self-study process on all aspects of the school programs and operations. This full self-study occurs once every 7 years, but the process also requires periodic reviews at least annually.

Transparency

Our school invited in a team of peer-educators from other accredited schools to conduct an on-site review of all aspects of our school program including our mission, teaching and learning, and student well-being.

Involvement of Stakeholders

The accreditation process requires the involvement of staff, students, parents, and other community members in the self-reflection, team visit, and goal setting for the future.

Professional Development

As an accredited school, we commit to sending out our own teachers/administrators to serve as peer reviewers on accreditation teams to other schools. Therefore, our teachers bring back new ideas and best practices from other schools, which helps our teaching continually evolve and improve.

Public Trust

MSA accreditation validates that a school meets internationally recognized standards of quality. It also affirms that a school represents itself honestly in its stated mission and values.

Culture of Planning

Planning for the future is a major part of the accreditation process. We are committed to continuous improvement as evidenced through the objectives we have set as a part of our plan for growth and improvement.

Openness to Feedback

Accreditation is an optional process—it is not mandated by the government. Our school has made the deliberate decision to seek accreditation and has committed to meeting the standards and expectations of the Middle States Association.

University Admissions

MSA accreditation is recognized across the U.S. and around the world. The accreditation status of a school can also be a requirement for eligibility for some grants and scholarships, as well as university admissions. MSA is also recognized by the Department of Education as a gatekeeper for schools offering Title IV funding.

School Improvement Planning

The school maintains its accreditation with MSA through a continual process of identifying areas for growth and implementing a community supported action plan to push the boundaries of success and achievement in those areas. Planning for the future is a major part of the accreditation process. We are committed to continuous improvement as evidenced through the objectives we have set as a part of our plan for growth and improvement

Accreditation Process

Middle States accreditation is a multifaceted evaluation process that schools and school systems voluntarily use to demonstrate they are meeting a defined set of research-based performance standards. The 12 Middle States Standards for Accreditation are: mission; governance and leadership; school improvement planning; finances; facilities; school organization and staff; health and safety; educational program; assessment and evidence of student learning; student services; student life and activities, and information resources.

The accreditation process begins with a self-study that is conducted by the school or school system and requires input from school leaders, teachers, parents and students. Following the self-study, a team of volunteer educators from Middle States member schools conducts a peer review visit.

High school student writing on a clipboard

Apply Now

Inquire

Book an Admissions Call