The mission of the American Academy for Liberal Education (AALE) is to promote excellence in liberal education by providing recognition of schools and programs that maintain the highest standards of liberal arts learning. In keeping with this mission, AALE accredits PK-12 schools with a dedicated liberal arts mission. The review process and final decision are based on the AALE PK-12 School Standards.
What are the benefits of AALE PK-12 School accreditation?
PK-12 schools benefit from engaging in a comprehensive self-study to explain how effectively the school realizes its stated liberal arts mission and meets standards of excellence for liberal arts learning. Successful applicants receive public recognition of this accomplishment. Once accredited, schools join a membership dedicated to sharing best practices for high student achievement of liberal arts learning objectives; promoting high quality and effective teaching and instructional practices suitable for preparing elementary and secondary students for liberal arts learning; and developing innovative ways to foster life-long learning that prepares students for productive engagement with the world.
What is the process for PK-12 School accreditation?
The process for PK-12 School accreditation follows the essential steps for U.S. post-secondary accreditation. After consultation with AALE staff concerning PK-12 eligibility requirements, the school completes and submits an application form with accompanying documentation for an Eligibility Review. Upon successful completion of the eligibility review, the school receives information on and a designated timeline for completing the application process. The formal application includes a self-study, a site evaluation visit and a formal response to the site evaluation visit report. Completed applications are forwarded to the Council of Scholars for recommendation and then presented to the Board of Trustees for final decision. Potential applicants for PK-12 School accreditation are encouraged to review the AALE website for a broader understanding of accreditation and to contact AALE staff with specific eligibility questions.
Additional AALE PK-12 School accreditation information and documents: