Cognia accreditation: PennSchool’s pride in a 5-year journey of steadfast commitment to holistic education

PennSchool has officially been accredited by the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission, reaffirming its long-term commitment to providing students with exceptional and comprehensive educational quality.

Cognia is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). 

Cognia recognizes schools across the globe that meet rigorous standards focused on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation, and effective leadership. To earn Cognia accreditation, a school must submit to internal and external review. Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means that the School meets Cognia Performance Standards and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement. Schools in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a six-year term. Dr. Mark A. Elgart, President and CEO of Cognia, stated, “Cognia Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school and its community on the primary goal of ensuring all students can flourish in engaging and equitable learning environments. We commend PennSchool for meeting high standards and making progress on key indicators that impact student learning.”

“Accreditation as conferred by the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission once again reaffirms the prestige and exemplary educational quality of PennSchool. As we celebrate our 5-year milestone of growth and development, this achievement serves as a powerful motivation for PennSchool to continue building a nurturing environment where future leaders are shaped with love, inspired with a spirit of lifelong learning, and encouraged to pursue their ambition without limits,” shared Mr. Timothy Nelson, Principal of American Program and Academic Director.

As one of the outstanding students representing PennSchool in the interview process with Cognia, Truong Nhat Thuy Anh also shared her pride: “With ambition, love, and a spirit of leadership, we are ready to shape the future.”

To maintain its Cognia membership, Sydney International School will need to ensure the following:

• Submit the Mid-Cycle Progress Report in the academic year 2027 – 2028.
• Participate in the Accreditation Engagement Review in the academic year 2030 – 2031.
• Maintain annual reports, financial audits, and all quality-assurance commitments.
• Engage in training and professional development programs in alignment with Cognia’s requirements.

This remarkable achievement is the result of the collective dedication and wholehearted contributions of the entire PennSchool community. At the same time, it serves as a strong motivation for the School to continue striving for excellence, enhancing teaching quality, innovating learning methods, and delivering a high-standard academic program for all students.