MEMBER SCHOOL DIRECTORY : Becoming a Member
WHO IS ELIGIBLE:
Membership in the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools is open to educational
institutions that fall into one of the following categories: public and non-public
middle, intermediate, and/or secondary schools, non-degree granting vocational
technical and postsecondary institutions, special purpose schools, supplementary
education centers, and distance education institutions. These institutions may be
ungraded or have designated grade levels, including a post-graduate level. To be a
member of the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, the institution must
either be accredited by the organization or working towards MSA accreditation. For a
full description of the policy governing the scope of membership, visit our
scope and
categories of membership policy web page.
Before beginning the application process, potential members should review the
policy governing expectations of accredited institutions in the CSS policy manual.
Other useful documents to examine are the policy regarding
conditions of membership
and code of good
practice. The Commission also maintains a policy on working with
schools outside
the United States.
TO APPLY:
Before entering the accreditation process, all institutions are vetted through a
candidacy process. For a clear understanding of the policies that govern that process,
please review the candidacy policy.
Candidacy generally involves registration, an
application, a one-day visit from a CSS representative, and fees associated with the
costs of the application process (currently set at $500) and travel. Both the application
and the visit center on the likelihood of the institution’s ability to meet
accreditation
standards. The visit results in a report generated by the CSS representative that
suggests areas for attention prior to a full team visit, a suggested timeline for
completing the accreditation process, and a recommendation regarding the
protocol used for the
self-study process. Where appropriate, the report accompanies an offer of candidacy
to the institution.
Another helpful document to understand the complete process is the
Steps in the Accreditation Process page.
Candidate members of the association (those who have been offered and have accepted
candidacy) are dues
paying members of the organization. They have indicated their intention to work toward
accredited status. Typically, candidacy status is allowed for a maximum of three years.
Staff recommends that interested parties contact Dr. Henry G. Cram , Executive Director, regarding potential membership prior to
applying. Correspondence with Dr. Cram (via phone at 267-284-5044 or email at
hcram<at>css-msa.org) can provide schools
with focused materials and information that applies to their particular situation.
Questions can also be directed to him at that time.
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