What does FCIS mean in SCHOOLS

The Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) is a nonprofit, voluntary membership organization that serves to accredit, support, and advocate for independent (private) schools in the state of Florida. FCIS works with its members to help strengthen their schools and provide high-quality educational experiences for all students.

FCIS includes private schools which reflects a variety of missions and traditions such as day schools, boarding school, Montessori and special mission schools.

Yes, FCIS offers both accreditation and re-accreditation for its member schools. Accreditation helps ensure that independent school standards are met and that private educational programs remain high-quality.

FCIS provides professional development opportunities, advocacy initiatives, resources on best practices in school administration and operations, updates on laws and regulations relevant to independent school educators and leaders, access to group programs such as insurance services or third party vendors, membership events throughout the year to network with peers across the state, opportunities to share innovative ideas through sharing networks within the organization.

In order for a school's accreditation status to remain valid, member institutions must be reviewed every ten years by an evaluation team from the FCIS. This review process helps ensure that accredited schools meet or exceed standards set forth by the organization.

Yes - institutions must demonstrate compliance with all applicable laws; show evidence of good management practices; maintain appropriate staff credentials; maintain records related to students' academic performance; adhere to ethical standards established by IOWC1 (Independent School Association); demonstrate ability to plan strategically and carry out curriculum effectively; offer sufficient staffing levels necessary to successfully implement curriculum; provide appropriate facilities and services required by current programs; demonstrate fiscal viability; document adequate internal control systems; maintain relationships with parents/guardians sufficient for effective communication.

You can find out more information about what is required for re-accreditation or initial accreditation with the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) on our website at https://fcishealthsystemsolutionsforyou.org/. Here you will find additional resources such as guides for self-study processes as well as contact information for questions about specific requirements.

To determine if your school meets eligibility requirements you will want to contact an admissions representative from FCMS directly who can assess your institution's qualifications based off of institutional history/mission/programs offered etc., making sure they adhere to all legal requirements under local law while also reflecting local values & cultural diversity within your student body.