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ResourcesPRIVATE SCHOOL ACCREDITATION IN ARKANSAS
Obtaining Provisional Accreditation for Your School
Learn more about Christian Schools International’s process for accrediting Christian schools in Arkansas.
Why CSI?
As the leader in Christian education services, Christian Schools International’s (CSI) mission is to support schools in their task of teaching students to know God and his world and to glorify him through service to others. Founded in 1920, CSI was the first national organization to exclusively serve Christian schools. We believe faith and learning are inseparably linked, with God’s word as the foundation for truth found in every academic subject.
Recognition in Arkansas
In partnership with the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE), CSI is excited to offer the process outlined below to obtain candidacy with provisional accreditation status for both new and currently established schools in Arkansas. CSI is recognized by the Arkansas Department of Education as an approved accrediting association in the state of Arkansas. A private school that is provisionally accredited by CSI is acknowledged as an accredited private school in Arkansas and eligible to receive Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) funds.
The Impact of EFAs on Accessing Christian Education
What are Education Freedom Accounts? Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs), established by the LEARNS Act, are a universal school choice program which may be used by eligible families to cover private school tuition, fees, uniforms, and some other required expenses at a participating private school. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, all students eligible to enroll in a public school will be eligible to apply for EFAs. However, the law does not guarantee that every student eligible to apply will receive an EFA. Enrollment is limited by available funding, and the program also has specific caps on the number of students who can enroll in its first two years.
In order to qualify for EFAs, private schools must be accredited based on guidelines established by the State Board of Education or other approved accrediting associations. They must also attest that they are fiscally sound and that they hire teachers who have at least a bachelor’s degree among various other requirements. Private schools also must commit to giving an annual test to EFA students in order to assess their learning — either the same test given by the state to public school students or another approved assessment. Only Arkansas private schools are eligible.
For more information, please visit: https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/office-of-school-choice-and-parent-empowerment/education-freedom-accounts/information-for-private-schools
The CSI Process for Building a Strong Foundation
1. Introductory Zoom
During this Zoom session, schools will learn about the CSI process, expectations, and support. CSI will outline the required steps for a school to take to become a candidate with provisional accreditation status.
2. Application for CSI Membership
Schools must be members of CSI to be accredited through CSI. Learn more about CSI membership here.
3. Application Approval and Payment of Membership Fees
The CSI Membership Committee approves membership applications and invoices annual membership fees to schools on a prorated basis.
4. Five Training Modules
Modules outline various topics while also providing school leaders with the tools they need to be successful. In addition, schools are partnered with their own experienced coach, an expert in the field who can answer questions, provide guidance, and offer feedback and support.
5. Accreditation Referral
Upon completion of all modules, each school’s coach will provide an accreditation referral to CSI.
6. Application for Candidacy with Provisional Accreditation Status
Schools complete a two-part online provisional accreditation application that requires the submission of multiple documents and other narrative information which evidences each school’s compliancy with specific quality assurances established by CSI and inclusive of identified state-specific requirements.
7. Application Approval and Payment of Associated Fees
Upon approval by the CSI Accreditation Commission and payment of accreditation fees, schools will be granted Candidacy with Provisional Accreditation Status and provided a formal letter and certificate documenting the school’s accreditation. At this time, the school is able to apply for participation in the EFA Program.
8. Host a CSI Representative
The school must host a CSI-appointed representative on campus for a preliminary accreditation site visit within eight weeks of the start of school and when students are present. The purpose of this visit is to verify compliance with all policies and procedures required by accreditation. A CSI representative will then visit the campus annually while the school holds provisional status.
9. Complete the Self-Study Journey within Three Years
After gaining candidacy with provisional accreditation status, schools have three years to complete the full accreditation journey with CSI. This journey includes an intensive Self-Study, the establishment of a School Improvement Plan, and the hosting of a successful on-campus accreditation site visit.
The Modules
The five modules are flexible and intended to be responsive to a school’s needs and timeline.
Established schools work through a customized checklist of items based on their school’s needs, supported by editable templates and a coach. The CSI modules and process are highly adaptable for individual schools.
Module 1: A Firm Foundation
Topics: School models, purpose, mission, vision, philosophy, statement of faith, goals, establishment, articles of incorporation, bylaws, governance, and more
Targets:
- Establish the school priorities
- Articulate key policies and procedures
- Incorporate as a 501c3
- Outline foundational documents
Includes:
- Comprehensive checklist
- Resource packet
- Zoom meeting with coach
- 11 editable templates for school use
Module 2: Building Up
Topics: Facilities, fundraising, handbooks, budget, tuition modeling, personnel, hiring, employee benefits, and more
Targets:
- Determine school location
- Create policies and procedures
- Design a healthy budget
- Attract Employees
Includes:
- Comprehensive checklist
- Resource packet
- Zoom meeting with coach
- 50 editable templates for school use
Module 3: The Core
Topics: Curriculum, instruction, assessment, technology, behavior plan, professional development, worship opportunities, service opportunities, and more
Targets:
- Create a curriculum scope and sequence
- Prepare for student needs
- Establish professional learning for faculty and staff
- Assess infrastructure needs
Includes:
- Comprehensive checklist
- Resource packet
- Zoom meeting with coach
- 30 editable templates for school use
Module 4: Adding Details
Topics: Marketing, media, admissions and enrollment process, playground, schedules and calendar, co-curricular activities, security, communication, and more
Targets:
- Promote the school
- Design and implement an admissions process
- Outline needed logistics
- Provide security and safety for faculty, staff, and students
Includes:
- Comprehensive checklist
- Resource packet
- Zoom meeting with coach
- 34 editable templates for school use
Module 5: Finishing Touches
Topics: Signage, supplies, trainings, orientation and induction, safety, traditions, and more
Targets:
- Create an environment conducive to learning
- Provide excellent orientation, training, and induction opportunities
- Prepare for a first day
- Outline foundational documents
Includes:
- Comprehensive checklist
- Resource packet
- Zoom meeting with coach
- 27 editable templates for school use
Getting Started
Each module begins with a 1-hour Zoom session with the school’s assigned coach. School leaders and planning teams will then be provided with the slides from each module’s session along with a checklist of what needs to be accomplished for the next steps in the planning process.
Typically, schools complete the module process and earn provisional accreditation within 3–6 months. Please note that established schools will likely not require this level of support. The modules are highly adaptable for individual schools.
The school will not be on this journey alone; in addition to coaching, slides, and checklists, CSI also provides a packet of helpful resources, templates, and examples related to each area of school planning. We look forward to walking alongside Arkansas Christian schools on this journey!
Partnership with CACE
Through our partnership with the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education (CACE), CSI is able to provide the module process and a coach who will walk through each step of this journey with a school.
Begin the Journey to Accreditation
If you are interested in learning more about obtaining candidacy with provisional accreditation status in Arkansas through CSI, contact Sheryl L. Jo, director of CSI accreditation, or Josh Bowar, CACE director of school relations.
Sheryl L. Jo
