A Message From the SCL Director of Accreditation
The Society for Classical Learning’s accreditation work continues to expand in both reach and refinement. Over the past two years, 18 classical Christian schools across the country have invited SCL teams to walk alongside them in a process that is not only evaluative but formative. This year, we will visit 30 schools. Each visit reaffirms what we believe about classical Christian education: that it is a living tradition requiring wisdom, humility, and courage to sustain. As we enter our third year of accrediting schools, our goal remains the same – to help schools thrive in faithfulness to their mission while strengthening the broader movement toward classical excellence.
SCL Accreditation is distinct from other frameworks because it is rooted in our shared theological and educational convictions and in our belief about what makes a school a thriving institution. We seek not merely to verify compliance (low bar clearance and box checking rooted in bureaucracy) but to cultivate virtue and excellence through reflection and collaboration. Our standards are designed to honor both the timeless principles of classical education and the unique culture of each school. As we say often, accreditation with SCL is Principled, Aspirational, Thorough, and Hospitable, forming a PATH that mirrors the formation we desire for our students and communities.
Throughout this process, we have learned much from the schools we serve. We’ve seen that thriving schools hold a clear vision of classical learning in service to Christian formation, invest deeply in faculty formation, and foster a joyful culture of improvement. We’ve also learned that sustainability and growth (financial, spiritual, and relational) are inseparable from mission fidelity and vision. Each visit strengthens our conviction that accreditation should not be a burden to bear but a means of grace, helping schools to discern and steward the resources they have been trusted with and the good work God has given them to do.
Our team continues to refine every aspect of the process, from handbooks and training to orientations and report writing, as well as improvement year plans. These refinements come directly from listening to feedback from schools and team members. The more we walk this road together, the more clearly we see that accreditation is a shared craft, shaped by the wisdom of the communities we serve.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we are encouraged. New schools are beginning the journey, improvement year schools are implementing their plans for improvement, and our accrediting community is growing stronger. Over 100 classical Christian school leaders will visit other campuses this year alone! Together, we are building more than a system of accountability; we are nurturing a fellowship of classical schools committed to truth, goodness, and beauty and the discipleship of students. Thank you for being part of this work.
