Thank you for considering ICAA as your accreditation organization! After checking out the information on our website, your next step is to Contact Us for an introductory meeting. In that virtual meeting, we will get to know you and your school a little bit and will talk about how ICAA can partner with you in the unique purpose God has given you. We will talk through the application process and give an overview of what you can expect during your accreditation process. We look forward to meeting you soon!
Applicant
A school in Applicant status has made full application to begin the ICAA accreditation process. This status is designated when the school 1) submits the ORUef Membership Application and 2) submits the ICAA Application and application fee. Applicants must be approved by the Executive Director of ORUef/ICAA to move forward in the process. The designation of a school as an applicant does not represent accreditation or any level toward accreditation with ICAA.
Pre-Candidate
Pre-Candidate status indicates that a school has been approved 1) for ORUef membership and 2) to begin the ICAA accreditation process. A school is not accredited at this status but has voluntarily committed to the process and must complete all Pre-Candidate requirements to continue. Pre-Candidate schools are reviewed annually by the ICAA Commission.
Candidate
Candidate status indicates that a school has been approved by the ICAA Commission as ready to complete its Self-Assessment and to host an External Review Visit. A school is not accredited at this status and must complete all Candidate requirements to continue. Candidate schools are reviewed annually by the ICAA Commission.
Accredited
A school in Accredited status has successfully completed the requirements for accreditation and has been approved by the ICAA Commission. Once conferred, a school that has attained Accredited status may retain that status for up to five years by completing all requirements. A school is accredited at this status. Accredited schools are reviewed annually by the ICAA Commission.
During the initial and ongoing accreditation process, a school will be required to meet a set of Standards we refer to as Assurances and Domains. As a peer recognition organization, ICAA regularly reviews accreditation Standards through its Commission made up of ICCA school administrators.
Assurances are statements of practices that are foundational to establishing and maintaining the unique Christian identity and culture of a Christian school, as well as the practices that are foundational. These include areas such as faith, legal operations, stability, financial accountability, safety, and school improvement.
The Domains are statements that define the capacity of a school to provide quality and meet the rigorous demands of continuous improvement. The four Domains focus on cultural context, leadership capacity, learning, and resource capacity. Schools seeking accreditation of an early learning program below 5-year-old Kindergarten also complete an early learning Domain. Each Domain is further defined by Standards relating to it.
Congratulations! You have already begun, just by doing this research today.
Your next step is to define your vision. What specific purpose has God put in your heart for the school? Then with your vision in mind, start building an advisory board of people you trust. Try to build a well-rounded team so that, as a whole, the advisory board is detail-oriented, legal-minded, generous, experienced in Christian education, and supportive of you.
The ORUef / ICAA staff would enjoy hearing how the Lord is leading you. We love partnering with new schools and even have some free materials to give you. We also have free 1-hour virtual appointments available to help you begin your journey. To share with us and talk through a few other logistics of beginning a new school, contact ORUef through our Contact Form or by calling (918)493-8880.
Before becoming accredited, a school must be operating and educating enrolled students. However, brand new schools are eligible and encouraged to become members of ORUef, a member fellowship organization that provides professional development, member discount programs, consultation, and more. Visit the ORUef site for more information.
Yes! ICCA stands for International Christian Accrediting Association, and we enjoy working with schools across the world.
ICAA is an accrediting association serving Christian schools with early childhood, elementary, and/or secondary students. That means our schools are full of students from Birth through 12th Grade whose foundations are being firmly established.
State and/or national recognition of a school’s accreditation is often key to a student’s credits or diploma being accepted as valid if the student transfers to another school or enters college. In addition, in most states, a school must be accredited by an approved association to be eligible for participation in tax credit scholarships, vouchers, and other school choice opportunities. ICCA maintains recognition in many states and countries to the benefit of our schools.
Oral Roberts University Educational Foundation (ORUef) is a member fellowship organization that supports Christian schools who are committed to a Spirit-empowered education. ORUef provides professional development, member discount programs, consultation, fellowship, and more.
International Christian Accrediting Association (ICAA) is the accreditation arm of our organizations’ services. ICAA validates likeminded Christian schools through accountability in the Assurances and Domains (cultural context, leadership, learning, resources, and – for schools with accredited programs earlier than 5-year-old Kindergarten – early learning).
The two organizations maintain separate purposes and boards, but function jointly to empower Christian schools. Schools that are members of ORUef are eligible to seek ICAA accreditation.