Accreditation
A voluntary, Christ-centered process that affirms educational excellence and integrity — and walks alongside schools as they grow.
FACCS accreditation is a voluntary process that assists Christian schools in achieving and demonstrating recognized quality. It rests on a Christian philosophy of education grounded in Scripture, and evaluates a school's spiritual, academic, and organizational life together — not academics alone.
Because it applies recognized standards, accreditation also protects families: it distinguishes a genuine, accountable Christian school from unaccredited operations and “diploma mills,” and supports the smooth transfer of credits between accredited schools.
Why accreditation matters
Distinctively Christian
Requires a biblically grounded philosophy of education and staff who affirm the FACCS Statement of Faith.
Peer counsel
Evaluations are led by experienced Christian-school educators — wise counselors, not distant inspectors.
Credibility & trust
A recognized seal that reassures families and eases transfer of credits to and from other accredited schools.
Continuous growth
An ongoing improvement process that keeps schools strengthening year after year — not a one-time stamp.
The accreditation journey
Accreditation is built on a school's honest self-study and an on-site evaluation by a peer committee.
-
1
Study the standards
Leadership reviews the FACCS standards and self-study criteria to gauge readiness — for the whole school or a specific level (preschool, elementary, or secondary).
-
2
Become a candidate
The school requests candidate status and is assigned a FACCS chairperson who guides the process. Candidates have up to four years to prepare; the on-site visit takes place once the school is in its fourth year of continuous operation.
-
3
Conduct a self-study
Drawing on the board, staff, faculty, parents, and students, the school honestly evaluates itself against each standard and builds its improvement plan.
-
4
Host a peer evaluation
A visiting committee of experienced Christian-school educators observes classrooms, reviews documentation, and verifies the self-study, then prepares a formal written report.
-
5
Receive accreditation
The FACCS Commission on Accreditation reviews the report and awards status; the school displays its certificate for the community to see.
Then keep improving
Accredited schools file an annual Continuing Improvement Plan and are reaffirmed at least every five years — making school improvement a continuous cycle. Schools committed to going further can pursue Signature Schools of Excellence.
National recognition & co-accreditation
FACCS accreditation is nationally recognized by the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA) and the Florida Association of Academic Nonpublic Schools (FAANS). Through co-accreditation, a school can be accredited jointly by FACCS and a partner agency — such as NCPSA or a regional accreditor — through a single, coordinated evaluation that produces one combined report.
Recognized in Florida law
FACCS is named in the Florida Statutes as a recognized standard for nonpublic schools — accreditation by, or membership in, FACCS is written into state law (§ 202.125).
Meet the organizations behind that recognition on our Partners & Affiliations page.
Pursue accreditation with FACCS
Explore the standards your school will grow toward, or start a conversation with our accreditation team.