For the last three years we have been working on the various stages of a very exhaustive accreditation process. BIS has been seeking accreditation to the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). As an accredited school we will be able to offer our own diploma, we will be recognized by other schools and colleges all around the world, and we will be able to continue to offer our students world class education.

The process culminated on February 16, 2008, with the team visit to our school.

On May 5, 2008, we received their verdict: NEASC awarded us the accreditation! Two weeks later, CIS informed us that they too had given us the thumbs up.

In their letter to us, they have complimented us on a number of areas.  These include:

» Individualized attention to students, especially by the outstanding student support services.
» Strong commitment to community and service activities.
» The warm, nurturing and engaging rapport between teachers and students.
» The “culture for the acceptance of diversity within the wider school”.
» The staff’s strong commitment to the school and exemplary work ethic.
» Excellent after-school activities and assembly programmes.
» The positive and constructive Board/Head relationship, supported by a transparent and comprehensive annual evaluation process.
» The 5-year financial plan.
» The general cleanliness.

In their words, “all of these aspects characterize a school which works collaboratively and constructively towards achieving common goals and with an obvious focus on student learning and well-being”.

This accreditation is an acknowledgement of our standards and practices; it helps to regulate our improvement and growth as a school; it provides us with recognition and credibility; it helps students from our school to transfer to schools and colleges all over North America and Europe; it give us the freedom to offer our own High School diploma.

Accreditation is a process, and while we are thrilled with the decision, we are still involved in the documentation, drafting, and development necessary for our further improvement.