Council of International Schools (CIS)

The Council of International Schools (CIS) is a global, not-for-profit, membership-based organization. It is serving individuals, schools, and higher education institutions worldwide and shaping the future of international education. The CIS was founded in 1949, headquartered in Leiden, the Netherlands, and aims to create global citizens through international education. The CIS community today includes more than 1,525 schools and universities, from 120+ countries.

CIS Accreditation

CIS International Accreditation provides a hallmark of quality assurance and distinction to primary and secondary schools. It enables schools to benchmark with leading international practices on the quality and improvement of their educational programs. The CIS International Accreditation protocol embraces the UN Declaration of Human Rights and also includes recommendations from the International Taskforce on Child Protection.

CIS in the United States of America

The CIS is an approved and authorized accrediting organization for private elementary and secondary schools identified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

A Memoranda of Understanding on dual accreditation internationally by three U.S. regional accreditation organizations: MSA, NEASC, and WASC, authorizes the CIS Protocol.