School Accreditation
How International Montessori
School Accreditation Works
Accreditation declares to the community that a MEPI-accredited Montessori school meets or exceeds established measures of quality, and has demonstrated a genuine commitment to authentic Montessori practice.
Before beginning, confirm your school's Silver Level membership and review the Eligibility Requirements to determine your readiness for the process.
For full details on every stage, see the Stages & Steps Handbook.
4
Orientation Meeting
The School Accreditation Commission and a designated MEPI mentor meet online with your Head of School and leadership team to review the process, timeline, and expectations.
Stage 2
Self Study
5
Confirm or Apply for Membership
Bring together a cross section of your school community — administrators, teachers, non-teaching staff, older students, and Board members — organized into subcommittees under a Steering Committee Chairperson. Over six months to two years, the committee develops the School Profile, the Standards Rating and Narrative Form, and the School Improvement Plan.
6
Submit the Self-Study
Submit the completed Self-Study and all required supporting documents directly to your MEPI-assigned Google folder.
Stage 3
On-Site Visit
7
SAC Reviews the Self-Study
The Commission reviews your Self-Study and determines readiness for the On-Site Visit, or requests revisions and additional information.
8
SAC Assembles the On-Site Team
The Commission identifies the On-Site Team and informs your school leadership of its responsibilities, then confirms accommodations and travel arrangements with your school.
9
On-Site Visit Occurs
Over one to five days on campus, the team observes the school in operation and confirms that practice matches your Self-Study documents. The Team Leader delivers an exit report to your school's leaders.
10
On-Site Team Reports to SAC
The Team Leader delivers a written report to the Commission, including observations, commendations, recommendations, and an accreditation recommendation.
Stage 4
Decision
11
SAC and Board Decision
The Commission reviews the report for completeness and compliance, then the Chair presents its recommendation to the MEPI Board. Decisions are rendered in November, February, and July.
12
School Is Notified
The Commission Chair formally informs your Head of School of the accreditation decision.
Accreditation decision options
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Full Accreditation for 7 years, with a completed annual report and current membership.
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Provisional Accreditation for 1 year, with an annual report and current membership while remaining requirements are addressed and verified.
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Accreditation Declined until deficiencies are corrected and verified.
