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Nonpublic School Accreditation Print E-mail
With respect to both public and nonpublic schools, the state has the authority and responsibility to be assured of an educational program which is in accordance with minimal standards. Approval standards are those rules and regulations promulgated by the Iowa Department of Education and found in Iowa Administrative Code (IAC). These standards detail the statutes as to intent and purposes and carry the force and effect of law (e.g., 281--Iowa Administrative Code 12.1).

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Requirements for Accreditation- Nonpublic Schools Requirements for Accreditation - Nonpublic Schools

Chapter 12 of the Iowa Administrative Code

General Accreditation Standards for Education (281) are detailed in Chapter 12 of the Iowa Administrative Code.

An accredited school meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for operation as either an elementary or secondary school as stated in the general statutes and regulations adopted by the State Board of Education. If a school meets these minimum standards, it will be granted accreditation.
Chapter 12 Rule Interpretation Matrix Chapter 12 Rule Interpretation Matrix

More About Becoming an Accredited Nonpublic School in Iowa

Non Public School Document Review Checklist Onsite Document Review Checklist for Nonpublic Schools

Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP):
A school or school district shall submit a revised five-year comprehensive school improvement plan by September 15 of the school year following the comprehensive site visit specified in Iowa Code section 256.11 which incorporates, when appropriate, areas of improvement noted by the school improvement visitation team. 281--Iowa Administrative Code 12.8(2)


School districts and non-public schools are required to revise and recertify their CSIPs by the September 15th date of the next school year. Revisions, in accordance to Chapter 12 of the Iowa Adminstrative Code , are based on any or all of the following actions: completion of a site visit, grade level changes (as in cases of reorganizations), and/ or funding stream changes. School districts and non-public schools are encouraged to annually update their CSIPs as ongoing planning documents.

CSIP Rule Interpretation Matrix CSIP Rule Interpretation Matrix 

Contact
Julie Melcher
515-281-6293
julie.melcher@iowa.gov

Last Updated ( Friday, 06 June 2008 )