International Accreditation at SMIS

The school is jointly accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and is the only school in the region awarded this mark of distinction.

The Accreditation Process
The accreditation process has long been recognized in the United States and in international school circles as a highly effective means of initiating and maintaining school improvement and demonstrating adherence to a set of publicly stated standards.

There are a number of benefits associated with the award of accreditation to a school, but the main aim of this evaluation programme is to provide an opportunity to improve the quality of the education offered at the school through a rigorous process of self-examination followed by an objective external appraisal by a team of peers.

Benefits of Accreditation
• The award of accreditation itself.
• The opportunity for self-assessment.
• The opportunity for improved intra-school contact and understanding.
• The opportunity to receive an external assessment.
• A plan for the future.

The Visiting Team Report will serve to validate concerns and to guide staff, Governing Body and administration in establishing priorities and developing action plans.

Each school is evaluated against two basic ‘benchmarks’, these being:
1. The School’s own Philosophy and Objectives
Each school is required to have a clear statement of Philosophy and Objectives and is evaluated in terms of how successful it is in meeting its own stated purposes.
2. The Standards for Accreditation
Each school is required to meet a set of written standards in each area of its operation.

Indicators for each Standard will guide the school in assessing its own adherence to the stated Standards.
A. Philosophy and Objectives
B. Curriculum
C. Governance and Management
D. Staff
E. Student Support Services
F. Resources
G. Student and Community Life

Following the completion of the self-study or five year report, the schools visited by a team of suitably qualified administrators and teachers drawn from other schools that represent the accrediting association(s).

The 2007 Report Listed Major School Strengths as

A - Philosophy and Objectives

B - Curriculum

D - Staff

E – Student Support Services

F - Resources

G – Student and Community Life

In a statistical analysis however, the following areas that provided high commendations and few recommendations were

A - Philosophy and Objectives

E – Student Support Services

G – Student and Community Life

Currently our report to Council of International Schools and Western Association of Schools and colleges for 2012 states we are meeting the required accreditation standards.