| The National Federation of Nonpublic School State Accrediting Associations is a group of state accrediting associations which serve nonpublic schools. Each state accrediting association is known as a “State Chapter” in the National Federation. The National Federation recognizes and approves State Chapters belonging to the National Federation. Any state chapter that meets the criteria established by the National Federation in its policy handbook may become a National Federation Member. |
| |
| The mission of the National Federation is to ensure that State Nonpublic School Accrediting Associations are focused and committed to enhancing the quality of education in nonpublic schools. This is accomplished through ongoing and continuous assessment and evaluation of the accreditation processes developed and implemented by the State Chapter members of the Federation. The center piece of this ongoing assessment of National Federation members is the meeting of the State Chapters held annually. During this meeting each member state presents documentation giving evidence of their compliance with the National Federation’s policies and guidelines. This yearly meeting also affords the State Chapter representatives the opportunity to discuss matters related to school improvement and accreditation practices. |
| |
| Nonpublic school parents and educators are serious about issues of accountability, ethics, and their school’s mission. |
| |
| Membership in the Federation provides further assurance to parents that the nonpublic schools they choose are true to their mission and purpose. Other accrediting agencies exist for similar purposes; however, nonpublic schools benefit most through an accrediting association that is sensitive to their special needs and purposes while maintaining high standards. |
| |
| The National Federation’s commitment to quality education in nonpublic schools is twofold. First, to the students who attend nonpublic schools, we commit ourselves to ensuring that they are provided with the educational experiences necessary to face the challenges of the twenty-first century. Secondly, to parents, the community and state legislature, we commit ourselves to ensuring that the potential for quality education exists in nonpublic schools. |
| |
| The National Federation is a way to further assure parents that the nonpublic schools of their choice are true to their mission and purpose. |
| |
| A State Chapter is composed of representatives of various nonpublic schools and nonpublic school systems. National Federation policy mandates that all State Chapters must admit any nonpublic school that meets the State criteria. If dual accreditation is desired, both accrediting associations compose the members of the validation team. Therefore, the school is responsible for only a single self study or option selections during the accreditation process. This arrangement continues to be successful for all state chapters of the National Federation. |
| |
| The state chapters believe that the National Federation can meet its mission and keep its commitment to quality education with out a powerful national bureaucratic organization. The power belongs with the State Chapters. |
| |
| In order to keep expenses within reason, state chapter members provide their services to the National Federation gratuitously. This allows annual dues of State Chapters to the National Federation to remain low. Annual dues for State Chapters are presently $300. Articles of Incorporation of The National Federation as a non-profit, federally tax exempt organization were filed on August 31, 1984. The Constitution and By-Laws were drawn up and formally adopted in September, 1984. |
| |
| The National Federation was added to a list of organizations which are recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Immigration and Naturalization (INS) in January, 1988. It is also listed in PROFILES, a document prepared and distributed by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). At present, the National Federation, through its State Chapters, is accrediting over 700 elementary and secondary schools in the United States with a total enrollment of over 200,000 students. For more information about The National Federation of Nonpublic School State Accrediting Associations, please contact Dr. Michael Rockers, National Federation Board President at the address or numbers listed below. A policy handbook of the National Federation is available upon request. |
