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Cognia Announces 2026 Accredited Schools and Systems

In a notable achievement for the education sector, Cognia, a global nonprofit organization focused on school evaluation and improvement, has released its prestigious list of schools and systems recognized with the "Accredited with Distinction" status for the 2025-2026 academic year. This accolade is awarded to institutions that excel within the rigorous Cognia Accreditation Engagement Review process, which evaluates educational quality against predetermined performance standards.

During the 2025-2026 school year, Cognia facilitated approximately 1,265 accreditation engagement reviews, from which 54 institutions were highlighted for their superior performance. Of these, 40 schools and 14 systems earned the distinguished recognition of being "Accredited with Distinction." Out of the recognized institutions, 45 are situated in the U.S. across 17 states, while nine others represent international schools and systems from six different countries.

Dr. Mark A. Elgart, the President and CEO of Cognia, expressed his congratulations to the honored schools and systems, emphasizing their exemplary commitment to educational excellence, as they not only met but surpassed the Cognia Performance Standards. He stated, "Congratulations to the schools and systems who earned the 'Accredited with Distinction' status. These institutions exemplify educational excellence through their commitment to continuous improvement."

The evaluations conducted by Cognia reflect robust evidence of high-quality teaching and learning environments. Institutions that received this esteemed accreditation demonstrated significant progress in various essential aspects, including:

• - High-quality instruction with effective pedagogy that fosters student engagement.
• - A positive and supportive culture conducive to learning, ensuring that students feel safe and valued.
• - Engaging school environments that promote both academic and personal growth for students.
• - Strong leadership commitment, showcasing effective governance and the ability to drive positive change within the institution.

Cognia's accreditation process involves several phases, including a self-assessment by the institutions, external evaluations conducted by trained third-party evaluators, and an improvement phase focused on utilizing the results of the evaluation to enhance the institution’s standards. The Cognia Performance Standards utilized for K-12 accreditation integrate the latest research findings and insights regarding effective educational practices. Once accredited, schools undergo a similar review every six years to maintain their Cognia Accreditation status.

As a forward-thinking organization, Cognia supports over 40,000 public and private educational institutions spanning early learning through high school in more than 100 countries and territories. Their services include not only accreditation but also assessment, improvement services, and professional learning, all anchored in a framework of evaluation and continuous improvement.

The complete list of the 2025-2026 Accredited with Distinction institutions is available on the Cognia website, serving as a resource for educators, parents, and policymakers looking to understand which schools are leading the charge in educational excellence. Cognia remains committed to advancing teaching and learning around the globe, equipping schools with the tools they need to foster growth and success for every student.

In conclusion, the recognition bestowed upon these institutions represents a significant commitment to educational excellence and underscores the importance of quality in teaching and learning. As schools continue to adapt and evolve, Cognia's role in supporting these institutions through rigorous standards and evaluations remains essential to promoting ongoing improvement in education worldwide.