It’s surprising how often I hear the claim that Christian schools lack accountability, especially regarding how they manage their funds. With the introduction of Iowa’s Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), these concerns have only intensified, as some believe nonpublic schools operate without oversight and accountability.
Let’s set the record straight: schools eligible for ESA funds must be accredited, a rigorous and comprehensive process that ensures high standards and financial responsibility.
Having overseen accreditation at a Christian school and participated in site visits for others, I can attest that accreditation is no easy task. It’s a valuable, ongoing process that holds schools accountable to the families and students they serve. Accreditation requires schools to make a
multi-year commitment involving self-evaluation, stakeholder feedback, and strategic planning. Schools must collect data, develop a school profile, conduct a self-study, and evaluate performance against various standards. They set measurable improvement goals, implement a
school improvement plan, and undergo an in-depth review by a site visit team. This also includes an independent financial audit every one to two years to ensure responsible stewardship of funds, without which accreditation and ESA eligibility would be revoked.
When I refer to accreditation for Christian schools, I’m specifically talking about independent accreditation. This process involves peer review and self-evaluation to ensure quality and continuous improvement. In contrast, state accreditation, typically applied to public schools, is a mandatory process enforced to ensure compliance with state standards. In Iowa, there are currently nine approved independent accreditors that nonpublic schools can use, all of which are recognized by the Iowa Department of Education.
The key difference between state accreditation and independent accreditation is that the latter provides accountability while encouraging Christian schools to maintain their distinct mission and values. While both types of accreditation require schools to meet high educational standards, independent accreditation enables Christian schools to integrate biblical principles into their curriculum, teaching, and culture. This is something public schools are not allowed to do. This process supports the school’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, all while preserving its Christian identity and freedom from government regulations that might conflict with its values.
Accreditation is an ongoing process, requiring annual reports and proof of progress for continuous oversight. However, with a nonpublic school, the ultimate accountability lies with the parents. If a school fails to provide a quality education, families will simply choose another school. I have witnessed firsthand the dedication of Christian schools to excellence, not merely because accreditation demands it, but because we all are deeply committed to our mission and the children and the Lord we serve.
Author: Rebecca Johnson
Rebecca Johnson is an education specialist at Inspired Life.
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