Apply for Membership

ICAISA Member associations voluntarily commit to engage in a ten-year review cycle that includes a rigorous and impartial review of its accreditation program through self-study, peer visitation, and interim and annual reporting. An assigned review team is charged with confirming compliance with all of the Criteria in the course of its visits and observations.

ICAISA members must meet the following criteria:

• Be incorporated as a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or equivalent not-for-profit international entity.
• Have at least  five years of experience as a fully functioning accrediting association.
• Adhere to non-discrimination practices in hiring.
• Have an accrediting process with the primary purpose of reviewing and accrediting nonprofit independent elementary schools with minimally three consecutive primary and/or middle grades (defined as between grades one through eight), and/or nonprofit independent secondary schools with minimally four consecutive grades, or the international equivalent.
• Comply with the ICAISA Criteria for Effective Independent School Accreditation Practices.
• Successfully complete the ongoing renewal and interim review process as outlined in the ICAISA Review Guidelines and conducted by representatives of the ICAISA Council.
• Commit to attendance by the association’s Executive Director (or equivalent title) at all meetings of the Council and participate actively in committees.
• Complete all required report submissions, including an Annual Report.
• Submit timely payment of all membership dues and meeting registration fees.

Associations considering membership in ICAISA are asked to contact ICAISA Executive Director, Bonnie Ricci, at bonnie@icaisa.org. ICAISA has Full Membership and Associate Membership categories.

To apply for Full Membership in ICAISA, associations must meet the following criteria:

• Be incorporated as a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or equivalent not-for-profit international entity.
• Have at least five years of experience as a fully functioning accrediting association.
• Submit audited financial statements showing sound financial condition
• Adhere to non-discrimination practices in hiring
• Have an accrediting process with the primary purpose of reviewing and accrediting nonprofit independent elementary schools with minimally three consecutive primary and/or middle grades (defined as between grades one through eight), and/or nonprofit independent secondary schools with minimally four consecutive grades, or the international equivalent.
• Comply or be in pursuit of compliance with the ICAISA Criteria for Effective Independent School Accreditation Practices.
• Agree to complete the Initial Review, as outlined in the ICAISA Review Guidelines, within three years of receiving Provisional Membership.
• The Executive Director of a Provisional Member may be invited to attend ICAISA meetings as a non-voting participant prior to the association receiving Full Membership Status.

Additional Information:

• Only current recognized members attend ICAISA meetings as voting members and submit annual reports. The Executive Director of Candidate members may be invited to attend meetings, as a non-voting participant.
• The Membership Committee will review all applications, and if approved by the Board of Directors and the Council, will welcome the association as a Candidate member.
• Candidates have up to three years to complete the review process.
• The review process for Candidate Associations will follow the ICAISA Review Guidelines; the review team will include from two to four representatives who will observe the association's process, review documentation, and conduct interviews with selected constituents representing the association.
• When all of the recommendations have been met, including those related to the Criteria for Effective Independent School Accreditation Practices, the association will be approved as a recognized member of ICAISA.
• Fees: There is a $1,000.00 USD application fee that is non-refundable. Candidate members pay regular membership dues, and assume all costs for the review process.

Associations considering membership in ICAISA are asked to contact ICAISA Executive Director, Bonnie Ricci, at bonnie@icaisa.org.

Application Process:

1.         Complete ICAISA membership inquiry process by speaking with ICAISA Executive Director, Bonnie J. Ricci, and possibly hosting a site visit.

2.         Complete application and submit non-refundable application fee of $1000.00 USD.

3.         Application will be reviewed by ICAISA Membership Committee and upon acceptance, Provisional Member Status will be granted by ICAISA Board of Directors. Provisional members are expected to pay full membership dues and cover the costs associated with the Review Process.

4.         Prepare Initial Review Self Study according to the ICAISA Review Guidelines.

5.         Host Initial Review Team for onsite visit as outlined in the ICAISA Review Guidelines. This visit must occur within three years of receiving Provisional Member status.

6.         Receive Initial Review Team Report and begin to address recommendations contained in the Report.

7.         Submit One-Year Response Report which ensures all Criteria have been met and all major recommendations have been fully addressed. This Report is reviewed by the ICAISA Membership Committee and approved by the ICAISA Board of Directors.

8.         Once the One-Year Response Report has been approved and compliance with all Criteria has been achieved, the association will be recognized as a Full Member of ICAISA.