Standards

ICAA Standards

1.0 – Foundational Documents

1. 1.1 Mission and Philosophy
2. 1.2 Statement of Nondiscrimination
3. 1.3 Legal Operations
4. 1.4 School History and Annual Goals
5. 1.5 Communication, Advertising, and Publications

2.0 Governance, Organization, and Accounting

1. 2.1 Governance Structure
2. 2.2 Budget
3. 2.3 Financial Management
4. 2.4 Fund Raising and Resource Development
5. 2.5 Tuition and Fees
6. 2.6 Purchasing
7. 2.7 School Policies and Procedures

3.0 Personnel

1. 3.1 Faculty and Staff Records
2. 3.2 Employment Policies
3. 3.3 Administrative Qualifications
4. 3.4 Faculty Qualification (K5-12)
5. 3.5 Early Childhood Qualifications
6. 3.6 Support Personnel
7. 3.7 Individual Spiritual Development
8. 3.8 Individual Professional Development

4.0 Student Services

1. 4.1 Student Records
2. 4.2 Student Recruitment and Admissions
3. 4.3 Calendar and Attendance
4. 4.4 Student and Family Development Services
5. 4.5 Child Abuse Awareness Plan
6. 4.6 Support Services
7. 4.7 Information Technology Center

5.0 Teaching and Learning

1. 5.1 Spiritual Growth
2. 5.2 Standards and Curriculum Alignment
3. 5.3 Instructional Strategies and Effective Pedagogy Practices
4. 5.4 Assessment
5. 5.5 Physical Fitness and Wellness
6. 5.6 Alternative Delivery Instruction
7. 5.7 School Professional Development

6.0 Early Childhood Education

1. 6.1 Programs and Services
2. 6.2 Parent Access and Release of Children
3. 6.3 Daily Schedule
4. 6.4 Health and Hygiene
5. 6.5 Nutrition
6. 6.6 Illness and Special Needs

7.0 Physical Plant, Campus, and Safety

1. 7.1 Facilities
2. 7.2 Transportation and Vehicle Safety
3. 7.3 Equipment and Furniture
4. 7.4 Supervision of Students
5. 7.5 Emergency Preparedness

Schools that apply to ICAA, and are approved as a Candidate for Accreditation, will be sent the ICAA Accreditation Manual, which explains each standard and details the criteria for assembling the Application for Accreditation Notebook (“Self-study Notebook”).

The Self-study Notebook is an important document produced by the school during the accreditation process. Its production encourages the school to take an in-depth evaluation of all areas of operations and programs, and it gives the school opportunity to develop the accountability and discipline required by quality Christian educational programs. The Self-study Notebook itself is vital to the review process; its validation is one of the main purposes of the Site Visit Committee, and its use by the Review Committees is indispensable in understanding the full scope of operations of the school.

The production of the Self-study Notebook is not to be viewed as a one­time event, but as an ongoing process. Once developed by the school, it should be reviewed annually—both to assist in filing any required reports and to serve as a basis for determining if substantive change has occurred at the school. It is vital that the Self-study Notebook be kept up-to-date and portray a current picture of the state of affairs of the school.

The Application for Accreditation Notebook represents a tangible evidence of the degree of excellence attained at the school. By keeping the Self-study Notebook current and in accordance with the accreditation standards, the school can develop a continuous system of self-evaluation and staff involvement and prevent any erosion of the high levels it had achieved when the Self-study Notebook was first submitted.

The International Christian Accrediting Association encourages its member schools to be credible witnesses of academic, spiritual, physical, and operational excellence through Christian education. Schools are to see the development of their Self-study Notebook, as well as their participation in the other stages of the accreditation process, as an opportunity to express the glory of Christ through Christian education.

Download ICAA Standards