Have you ever seen the globe-like logo of CIS (Council of International Schools) on an international school's website or brochure?
If you felt reassured, thinking, "This school has international accreditation," you need to be a little cautious.
In reality, whether that logo signifies mere membership ("Member") or full accreditation ("Accredited") can make a world of difference for your child's future.
- Member School: A status obtained by paying an annual fee. The quality of education is not guaranteed, and it may not provide university entrance qualifications.
- Accredited School: A school that has passed a rigorous evaluation process. It serves as a passport to universities worldwide.
This article explains how to correctly interpret CIS status and understand the risks, ensuring you don't make a critical mistake when choosing from the growing number of international schools in Japan and across Asia (such as in Malaysia and Thailand).
1. What is CIS? Its Difference from WASC and Its Focus on "Safety"
CIS (Council of International Schools) is a global school accreditation agency originating in Europe.
While WASC focuses primarily on the "quality of the American-style curriculum," CIS places special emphasis on the following two points:
① Global Citizenship
It evaluates whether a school fosters students who respect diversity and possess a global perspective, independent of any specific national curriculum (like American or British). Therefore, schools with any curriculum from around the world are eligible.
② Student Safety (Child Protection)
The most distinctive feature of CIS is its extremely rigorous standards for "Safeguarding (Child Protection)."
It thoroughly assesses whether students are in a physically and psychologically safe environment, covering everything from anti-bullying policies and staff background checks to emergency response protocols. It's no exaggeration to say that a CIS-accredited school is one of the safest schools in the world.
2. The Biggest Pitfall: "Member" and "Accredited" Are Not the Same
This is the most critical point.
CIS has two statuses, but many parents confuse them.
Status | English Term | Reality | University Entrance Qualification (in Japan) |
Member School | CIS Member | "Member" The school has endorsed the CIS philosophy and is paying annual fees. The quality of education has not yet been assessed. | × Generally not recognized (High risk of not being accepted as a high school diploma equivalent) |
Accredited School | CIS Accredited | "Accredited" A school that has passed a multi-year evaluation process, guaranteeing its quality of education and safety. | ○ Yes (An official qualification recognized by MEXT) |
Beware of Claims of Being a "CIS Member School"
Some new or developing schools may prominently display the CIS logo and advertise themselves as a "CIS Member School (so you can trust us)," even though they only hold Member status.
However, being a Member merely indicates an "intention to pursue accreditation in the future" and does not guarantee the quality of education.
3. Japanese University Entrance Qualifications and CIS
Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) requires graduation from a school accredited by one of the following designated organizations for an international school graduate to be granted university entrance qualification (equivalent to a high school diploma):
- WASC
- CIS (Council of International Schools)
- ACSI
- NEASC etc.
The crucial point here is that MEXT recognizes schools that have received "CIS Accreditation," not those that are simply "Members."
If a student graduates from a "CIS Member" school that does not hold another recognized accreditation (like WASC), they will not be eligible to enter Japanese universities and will need to take the High School Equivalency Examination (formerly the Daiken).
4. Why Do Top-Tier Schools Hold Dual "WASC & CIS" Accreditation?
Many long-established, prestigious schools like ASIJ (American School in Japan) and Yokohama International School hold "dual accreditation" from both WASC and CIS.
- WASC: Guarantees the quality of the curriculum, learning outcomes, and sound school management.
- CIS: Guarantees an international educational philosophy, student safety, and multicultural understanding.
A school holding both accreditations demonstrates that it combines "high American academic standards" with "global safety and ethical standards," signifying a top-quality educational environment.
WASC Accreditation: The 'Quality Seal' for International Schools in Japan and the Risks of Unaccredited Institutions
5. Conclusion: Look for the Word "Accredited" on the Official Website
The method for distinguishing whether a prospective school is a "Member" or "Accredited" is simple.
Don't just trust the school's brochure; search for the school in the Directory on the official CIS website.
If the school's status is only "Member" and it lacks any other accreditation like WASC, you must carefully consider the risks to your child's future academic progression.
ELT | Academic Support for Admission to Accredited Schools
CIS-accredited schools evaluate applicants not just on their English ability, but also on their capacity to "communicate their opinions logically" and their "openness to diverse values."
At ELT, we provide instruction tailored to meet the high academic standards required by CIS-accredited schools.
- Admissions Test Preparation: Coaching for interviews and essay writing specific to accredited schools.
- Post-Enrollment Academic Support: Strengthening skills such as "inquiry-based learning" and "critical thinking," which may not be part of every national curriculum.
- Educational Pathway Support: Assistance with transfer applications in the event a move from a non-accredited school becomes necessary.
To ensure your child receives a "safe, high-quality education," start by correctly identifying the accreditation status of your prospective schools and begin the necessary preparations.
