Accreditation
ICS-Lima is fully accredited by Middle States Association and Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Accreditation is the affirmation that a school or other educational institution is providing the level of quality in its educational programs, services, activities, and/or resources expected by its community of stakeholders and endorsed by the education world. When the Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (CESS) accredit a school, they certify that the school meets the prescribed standards of quality of the Middle States Association.
Why did our school seek accreditation by Middle States?
- Helps us and our colleagues successfully establish and reach goals, develop a strategic plan, promote staff development, and more.
- Gives staff a sense of pride in their work and provides opportunities for professional development.
- Builds coalitions of parents, teachers and administrators and unites diverse groups in the effort to provide the best outcomes possible for our students.
- Gives our school an advantage with parents who want their children to attend a school with high standards where student achievement is paramount.
- Without accreditation, graduates of our school would not be able to attend certain universities or qualify for federal grants or loans that make college possible for many students.
The MSA Standards for Accreditation
When it comes to evaluating schools and school systems, the Middle States Association looks at the whole school, not just test scores. We realize that improving outcomes requires a comprehensive approach. When we asses whether a school should be accredited we look at how the school performs in 12 key areas that make up our Standards for Accreditation:
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
Information Resources