Transforming Accreditation
As the classical Christian education movement has grown, so has the need for clarity and structure to support sustainable growth. To thrive, schools must go beyond a shared vision or access to resources—they must consistently apply classical Christian principles and proven best practices to all aspects of their operations, from board governance to student discipleship.
SCL Accreditation provides a collaborative pursuit of excellence rooted in clearly defined standards and practical steps for growth. It fosters accountability, strengthens governance, refines strategic vision, and cultivates a culture of improvement, equipping schools to operate healthily and sustainably while staying true to their mission.
Our Process – The PATHway to Thriving
At SCL, our accreditation process is guided by our core values of being joyfully bound to Christ, boldly expanding the classical tradition, and faithfully extending hospitality. These values help shape a Principled, Aspirational, Thorough, and Hospitable (PATH) approach to helping schools thrive.
Your Path to School Excellence
Accreditation isn’t always linear – it’s a relational journey between the school and the accreditor. SCL brings a commitment to hospitality within every touch-point, meeting, and conversation between the school and SCL.

Express Interest
- Submit an inquiry and begin your journey.
Engage with SCL
- Join us at the summer conference and our regional events. We want to get to know you.
Become a Member (if not already)
- Membership is required before starting the accreditation process.
- Connect with a supportive network of classical Christian educators.
Prepare
- Begin self-assessments and gather foundational documents.
- Engage with SCL playbooks, resources, and consultation.
Apply
- Submit your application and receive a customized accreditation roadmap.
Participate in the Process
- Host an on-site visit with SCL’s Accreditation Team.
- Collaborate through interviews, focus groups, and classroom observations.
Receive Feedback & Plan for Growth
- Get a comprehensive report with commendations and actionable recommendations.
- Use SCL’s resources to craft and implement a school plan for improvement.
Ready to get started? Submit an inquiry and start your journey today!
Our Accreditation Standards
SCL’s accreditation standards are designed to align with the vision, mission, and lived experiences of classical Christian schools building God’s kingdom on earth through education.
Christian Commitment
The school aligns its educational philosophy and policies with its Christian commitments and intentionally embodies those commitments in practice.
Classical Commitment
The school manifests the liberal arts tradition through its philosophy of education and harmonized educational practices.
School Culture
The school embodies its classical and Christian identity within a community of faith and learning.
Student Experience
The daily experience of students reflects the classical and Christian commitments of the school.
Governance
The school exercises a disciplined governance model of leadership that focuses on long-term viability.
Executive Leadership
The school ensures that its executive leaders possess the character, competence, and capacity to fulfill their roles.
Finances and Facilities
The school practices fiscal responsibility and aligns all its resources to serve its mission.
Advancement
The school advances its mission through clear and compelling communication, principled admissions practices, effective fundraising, and a thoughtfully nurtured place in its community.
The Vision & Expertise Behind SCL Accreditation
In 2023, we recognized a critical need within the classical Christian education movement: schools needed a formal, independent validation of their commitment to quality, as well as a clear framework for growth. Accreditation emerged as a solution.
To create this program, we identified eight core standards that define a thriving classical Christian school and developed ten measurable indicators for each, resulting in 80 benchmarks. Collaborating with leaders across the movement, we expanded these insights into eight practical playbooks designed to guide schools in applying these standards.
Now, through a partnership with the Middle States Association, SCL Accreditation offers schools national recognition and a proven pathway to sustainable growth grounded in classical Christian principles.



Accredited Schools
Ready to begin your journey?
Make an inquiry with us to learn more, or join us at the SCL Summer Conference to connect with leaders and prepare for accreditation.