Recently, KLIS achieved a milestone by officially receiving accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). This makes KLIS the only international school in Chongqing to earn this distinction, placing it among the world's top educational standards.
What is NEASC, and why is it known as the hardest accreditation to obtain?
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges was founded in 1885 by Charles William Eliot, former president of Harvard University. It is the oldest educational accreditation agency in the United States and is widely recognized as having the most rigorous standards.
NEASC shares the same accreditation system as world‑renowned institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and MIT. Its evaluation goes beyond curriculum and instruction to thoroughly examine a school's mission, governance, faculty quality, student support, safety protocols, and many other dimensions. Globally, only a small number of schools have earned NEASC accreditation, because it signifies not mere compliance but excellence.
What enabled KLIS to achieve NEASC accreditation after over ten‑year efforts?
Accreditation is never achieved overnight. The NEASC review team conducted an in‑depth on‑site evaluation at KLIS, covering all grade levels from kindergarten through high school. They reviewed classroom observation records, interviewed teachers and students, examined curriculum documents and safety files, and left no aspect unchecked. In the end, the school produced compelling outcomes through ten years of consistent, high‑quality education.
A new milestone: moving forward with NEASC accreditation
1. American curriculum with seamless international alignment
KLIS has always adhered to the American Common Core curriculum and uses the internationally recognized MAP assessment tool to personalize instruction for students at different ability levels. Immersive English instruction and project‑based interdisciplinary learning ensure that curriculum content, design, implementation, and assessment all align with best practices in American and international education.
2. A full English environment for smooth global progression
NEASC explicitly requires that at least 50 percent of core subjects use English as the primary language of instruction. KLIS, as a K‑12 international school with full English immersion, enables graduates to transition seamlessly to top English‑taught universities around the world, with both language and academic skills fully developed.
3. An international community with genuine global perspective
NEASC emphasizes that schools must demonstrate international character through their mission, student body, and faculty composition. KLIS serves international families from many different countries as well as from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan (all are regions of China), creating a truly diverse and inclusive cultural community where children naturally develop cross‑cultural understanding in daily life.
4. A safe, healthy, and sustainable campus
As the first school for foreign nationals in Chongqing to obtain legal registration as a private non‑enterprise institution, KLIS has established comprehensive safety systems and child protection policies. 100 percent of our teachers hold child protection certificates. Safety is our most fundamental commitment.
5. A grand slam of accreditations, with proven quality
Core strengths supporting KLIS’s NEASC accreditation
Before receiving NEASC accreditation, KLIS had already earned multiple significant endorsements, including accreditation from Cognia (the world's largest educational certification agency), being ranked among Forbes China's Top 100 International Schools, designation as an AP, SAT, and PSAT test center authorized by the College Board, and being the first ISEE test center school in Chongqing. In the eyes of the NEASC review team, these credentials and authorizations served as powerful evidence of our educational quality.
What NEASC accreditation means for KLIS students?
This accreditation is not just a plaque on the wall; it tangibly benefits every student's growth path.
● A globally recognized diploma that enhances applications to top universities: A diploma from a NEASC‑accredited school carries greater credibility and competitiveness when applying to prestigious institutions worldwide.
● Sustained quality assurance in teaching and school operations: NEASC requires schools to undergo reassessment every five years, ensuring that standards remain high without any decline or complacency.
● Every child graduates with the confidence of international recognition: Students who leave KLIS not only possess solid academic abilities but also carry a growth record that is validated by the international education system.
Using this accreditation as a new starting point to move forward
This accreditation is the best recognition of our more than ten years of persistence and continuous improvement. However, it also marks a new beginning. We will continue to hold ourselves to the highest standards and provide every family with truly trustworthy international education.
Being the only one in Chongqing is not the finish line; it is our responsibility.
If you would like to learn more about KLIS's curriculum, admissions information, or campus life, please feel free to contact us at any time. The journey of education is long, and we are happy to walk it with you.
