A Chapter of the National Federation of Nonpublic School State Accrediting Associations

"Assuring Excellence in Education in Missouri's Nonpublic Schools"

The organization began with a desire to provide a recognized accreditation agency for nonpublic elementary schools.  To meet this need, the superintendents of the Catholic and Lutheran Schools in Missouri joined representatives of other states to form the National Federation of Nonpublic School State Accrediting Associations.  The national organization was incorporated in the State of Minnesota in November 1984.  The Missouri Chapter was incorporated in the State of Missouri as a not-for-profit organization under Section 501 (C) (3) the Internal Revenue Code on January 18, 1985.  In 2002 the Board shortened the name of the organization to the Missouri Nonpublic School Accrediting Association.

The national organization gives state chapters both the responsibility and the flexibility to establish their own charters, by-laws, and admission requirements, as well as standards and criteria for accreditation.  The Missouri Chapter meets the criteria established by the National Association and works closely with the sponsoring agencies of schools which seek accreditation.

The National Federation of Nonpublic School State Accrediting Associations is recognize by the United States Department of Education.  (Confirmation specified 1/12/88 in written communication between Ramon Ruiz, Deputy Director of the Division of Educational Support, and Charles O'Malley, Executive Assistant for Private Education, United States Department of Education.)

The Missouri State Board of Education and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education also recognize the Missouri Chapter of the National Federation.  The state accepts for teacher certification the classroom experience that is earned in nonpublic schools that are accredited by the Association.  Like other recognized accrediting agencies, the Missouri Chapter gives assurance that its member schools have met certain standards that are essential for quality education.