Frequently Asked Questions

School: We are interested in accreditation with Florida Council of Independent Schools.  What is the first step?

FCIS:  The initial step would be to download the 2010 FCIS Standards and Bylaws.  After carefully reading the standards, complete an “Inquiry form”, found under Accreditation Resources, “Info for Schools”.   E-mail the form to Karen Mathews at kmathews@fcis.org, Associate Director for Accreditation.  She will contact you for the next step.

School: We are getting ready to prepare for our Self-Study year?  How do we get started?

FCIS:  On the Accreditation Resources link, Info for Schools, there are many resources to help schools get started.  I would start by visiting: “Steering Committee information” and reviewing the 2010 FCIS Revised Bylaws and Standards.  Pages 28 and 29 provide information on writing the self-study.  In addition, there are templates available on the website depending on the type of visit (FCIS/FKC, or FCIS/FKC-SACS or FCIS/FKC – SAIS).   These templates have the forms necessary to complete Section I: Statistics, Section II: Documentation and Section III: Analysis.

Many schools begin with a school-wide retreat to reexamine the school mission and philosophy.  This provides a springboard for the many discussions that will then occur. 

Also, at the November FCIS Convention, someone from your school should plan to attend the session “Preparing Your School for an Evaluation”, which will address specific and general questions about the self-study and the entire evaluation process.

School:  Our school is considering adding SACS or SAIS accreditation.  Is the process different?

FCIS:  On the website, you will find information about preparing the self-study and any additional preparations for SAIS or SACS accreditation.  The evaluation visit is basically the same; there may be additional meetings to comply with additional organization standards.

The school should contact the organization to apply for initial accreditation; the visit will be a joint evaluation visit.

School:  I would like to serve on an FCIS Evaluation team.   What should I do?

FCIS:  On the Accreditation Resources page, there is a form “Team Nomination Form”.  Ask your Head of School to nominate you by completing the form and sending it to Karen Mathews.  There is a workshop at the FCIS Conference in November entitled “Serving on an Evaluation Team” that you will need to attend.

School:  How do I know the date for our next Accreditation?

FCIS:  Go to Accreditation, “Member Schools Accreditation Year”.  This will also give you the due date for your most recent “Responses to Recommendations”.

School: How do I place an ad for a faculty position?

FCIS:  Go to “Job Postings” on the website to fill-out and submit the “Job Postings Form.  The ad will remain active for 35 days or until you notify FCIS to remove it.  Contact the FCIS for the password.

School:  How do my teachers earn state certification?

FCIS: The easiest initial step is to visit www.fldoe.org; for additional information, go to Member resources, Master In-service, on our website.  Keara Danger is the FCIS Contact person in charge of Master In-service.

School:  What are the benefits of FCIS Membership?

FCIS:  Under “About FCIS”, the topic of membership benefits is addressed.

School: What Professional Development opportunities are available to member schools?

FCIS: In addition to our state convention in November, FCIS sponsors many affordable workshops throughout the year.  These include: New Teacher Institute in September, Master Teacher academy in October, Administrator Retreat in July, Heads Retreat in June, Technology seminar, Legal seminar and more.  Also, many schools sponsor workshops and events that are open to other FCIS schools; information is on the website under Workshop & Events.  Additionally, this year, FCIS has started to offer webinars on a variety of topics.

School:  Who can answer specific questions?

FCIS: On the website, go to FCIS Staff under “About FCIS”.  Contact information is available for the staff member who can answer specific questions.

School:  How do I update school/directory information on the website?

FCIS:  Contact Tam in our Technology department (tnguyen@fcis.org).