Accreditation

Why does Accreditation Matter?

Accreditation is a set of rigorous protocols and research-based processes for evaluating an institution’s effectiveness. These protocols distinguish schools that adhere to a set of educational standards and recognize the school’s ability to effectively drive student performance and strive for continuous educational improvement.

What does AMS Accreditation mean?

It means that we have achieved a well-defined standard of excellence. American Montessori Society (AMS) accredited schools must meet AMS School Accreditation Standards and Criteria.*

Only AMS full member schools are eligible to become accredited. Applicants undergo a rigorous process that includes:

• an intensive self-evaluation involving administration, staff, teachers, and parents;
• a thorough on-site review by an AMS accreditation team;
• commitment to a strategic plan for long-term improvement.

Currently, about 10% of AMS member schools are AMS accredited. To maintain accreditation, a school must submit an annual report that documents continued compliance with AMS standards, as well as set goals for continuous improvement.

We are proud and excited to have achieved this level of excellence in the education that we offer our community of students and families.

*From the American Montessori Society website.

What are the characteristics of a AMS accredited school?

• It is driven by its mission statement. By taking this step to seek accreditation, MSL has committed to continuous learning and improvement.
• It self-reflects. By examining our practices through the self-study process, we were able to view our school’s principles and practices from the vantage points of student, teacher, parent, and community.
• It keeps its promises. AMS accreditation ensures that Montessori School of Louisville is what it says it is and does what it says it does.
• It seeks self-improvement. By hosting an accreditation team, we invite validation and objective feedback from experienced educators in the field of Montessori education.
• It is recognized. Montessori School of Louisville will be listed as an accredited school on both AMS and SACS-AdvancED (Southern Association of Colleges & Schools) websites.
• It is student-centered. MSL focuses on educating the whole child, developing academic, social and emotional skills.
• It focuses on the future: “We can do better.” MSL creates strategic plans with smart goals to guide our future toward even greater goals.
• It evaluates performance. Through annual assessments, MSL analyzes data to help shape a curriculum that increases student achievement and growth.
  

The American Montessori Society (AMS) is the foremost advocate for quality Montessori education, an innovative, child-centered approach to learning. AMS sets the high professional standards that inform Montessori education as practiced in AMS-accredited schools and taught in AMS-affiliated teacher education programs. A not-for-profit organization based in New York City, with nearly 13,000 members worldwide, AMS is also a hub of all things Montessori: an information center for its members, the media, and the public; a voice in the public policy arena; and a mobilizing force for the global Montessori community, through support services, research, and professional development events. Click to learn more about the AMS accreditation process.

Cognia is the result of a merger between AdvancED and Measured Progress and is an umbrella for the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council for Accreditation & Continuous Improvement (SACS CASI). Accreditation from Cognia signifies MSL’s dedication to academic excellence, global standards, and ongoing innovation, ensuring a top-tier educational experience for our students. With more than 125 years of accreditation experience, Cognia's rich history has shaped the accreditation process and continues to redefine it. More than 24,000 schools and systems across the United States and in 90 countries around the world entrust Cognia as an accreditation partner that examines the whole institution, so every part is moving in one direction. Education providers that earn Cognia Accreditation are awarded that recognition by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), which comprise three of the six regionally recognized K–12 accrediting bodies. Accreditation with Cognia is more than a stamp of approval. It is a sign of MSL's deep commitment to student learning and places it in very good company. Learn more about Cognia accreditation.