Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools

The Middle States Association is a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 130 years, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development and advance student achievement.

The Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools accredit public, private, faith-based schools, systems, and learning services providers, from early-childhood through postsecondary non-degree granting. The Commission on Elementary Schools and the Commission on Secondary Schools are independently administered divisions of Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Inc., a Pennsylvania not for profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Historically, MSA-CESS has operated in the mid-Atlantic region (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia); with its cooperative partners, it has expanded its scope to include schools and institutions seeking accreditation throughout the United States. The Commissions also award accreditation to member institutions in more than 115 countries around the world.

The Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools are affiliated with the United States State Department’s Office of Overseas Schools and provide accreditation services to American and International style schools attended by members of the U.S. Foreign Service and U.S. citizens working for non-government agencies and multi-national corporations. The Commission on Secondary Schools is also recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a gatekeeper for eligibility for Title IV funding for post-secondary non-degree granting institutions and distance education.