What Is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a voluntary quality assurance process through which a school demonstrates that it meets or exceeds established standards of educational excellence. An independent accrediting body evaluates all aspects of a school's operations and determines whether the school merits accredited status.
The process involves a rigorous self-study by the school community, an on-site evaluation by trained peer reviewers from other accredited institutions, and an ongoing cycle of improvement and periodic re-evaluation.
Because accreditation is never legally required for private schools, choosing to undergo it signals a deep commitment to accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Our Accrediting Partners
Crestwell School is proud to hold accreditation from four distinguished organizations, spanning regional, state, and national levels.
MSA-CESS
Middle States Association, Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools
Founded in 1887, MSA-CESS is one of the oldest and most established accrediting bodies in the United States. Originally a regional accreditor covering the mid-Atlantic states, MSA-CESS has expanded to accredit schools in all 50 states and over 100 countries worldwide.
Their rigorous evaluation process centers on a comprehensive self-study, external peer review, and a sustained cycle of continuous improvement across all aspects of school operations.
Cognia
Formerly AdvancED / SACS CASI / NCA CASI
Cognia is the largest accreditation body in the world, serving approximately 40,000 institutions and 25 million students across more than 100 countries. The organization traces its roots to 1895 through SACS, the historic regional accreditor for the southeastern United States, including Florida.
Through a series of mergers combining SACS CASI, NCA CASI, and the Northwest Accreditation Commission, Cognia brings together over a century of accreditation expertise under one global organization.
NCPSA
National Council for Private School Accreditation
NCPSA serves as a national peer-review body that validates accrediting organizations themselves. When a school's accreditor is recognized by NCPSA, it adds an additional layer of credibility, confirming that the accrediting body meets rigorous national standards for how accreditation should be conducted.
Founded in 1993 after the private school community sought a national framework for accreditation quality, NCPSA now recognizes 21 member associations spanning diverse educational philosophies and regions.
AISFL
Association of Independent Schools of Florida
Founded in 1949 as the Private Schools Association of Dade County, AISFL is one of the oldest state-level private school accreditation associations in the country, with over 75 years of service to Florida's independent school community.
Because they focus exclusively on Florida, their evaluators bring deep knowledge of the state's educational landscape, regulations, and community. AISFL is also a charter member of NCPSA, meaning their standards have been nationally peer-reviewed and validated.
Why It Matters
for Your Family
Accreditation gives families independent, third-party verification that a school meets recognized educational standards.
Quality Assurance
Independent experts have verified that our curriculum, teaching methods, governance, and facilities meet rigorous standards of excellence.
Credit Transfers
Students transferring from an accredited school have their credits and transcripts widely accepted by other schools and institutions.
College Preparation
Many colleges and universities look favorably on diplomas from accredited institutions, strengthening your child's future applications.
Accountability
Accredited schools are subject to regular external review, creating ongoing accountability that unaccredited schools simply do not have.
Financial Aid Eligibility
Certain scholarships, voucher programs, and financial aid opportunities may require enrollment at an accredited school.
Peace of Mind
Rather than investigating every aspect of school quality on your own, accreditation means qualified external experts have already done that work.
How the Process Works
Accreditation is not a one-time event. It is a continuous cycle of evaluation, improvement, and re-evaluation.
Self-Study
Our entire school community conducts a thorough internal evaluation against the accrediting body's standards. Administrators, teachers, parents, and students all participate in examining curriculum, governance, financial health, and student outcomes.
Peer Review & Site Visit
A team of trained evaluators from other accredited schools visits our campus. They observe classrooms, interview staff and families, review documentation, and assess whether we meet the accreditor's standards.
Continuous Improvement
Accreditation is renewed on a regular cycle, typically every five to seven years. Between full reviews, we submit progress reports and implement improvements based on evaluator recommendations.
Accreditation is not a destination. It is a commitment to continuous growth, ensuring that every student receives the education they deserve.