Accreditations

“International accreditation ensures quality, credibility, and global recognition for students and schools alike.”

Accreditation is a highly-respected, effective methodology for school improvement and growth. It is not a single event, but rather a continuous cycle of comprehensive internal and external assessments, short- and long-term strategic planning, and periodic reporting sustained by professional partnership and support. The accreditation process provides a framework for schools to meet their own unique mission and goals for student learning while maintaining alignment with research-based standards that define the characteristics of high quality, effective learning communities. The accreditation process also serves to assess the systems in place for ongoing institutional self-reflection and a school’s commitment to and capacity for continuous growth and/or transformation.

The Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) is a regional accrediting organization that supports the continuous improvement of independent schools through rigorous standards and peer-reviewed evaluations. SAIS accreditation affirms that a school meets high benchmarks in governance, teaching, leadership, and student wellbeing.

For international schools, SAIS provides a recognized framework for quality assurance aligned with global best practices.

Cognia is a globally recognized nonprofit organization that provides accreditation and certification services to educational institutions. It supports continuous improvement through rigorous evaluation standards and research-based criteria. Cognia accredits a range of institutions, including public and private schools, early learning centers, & education systems worldwide. Its process emphasizes learner-centric quality, leadership capacity, & continuous improvement to ensure educational excellence.

The Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) accreditation is the official certification granted by Mexico’s federal education authority, ensuring that a school meets national academic standards and curricular requirements.

It allows students to receive nationally recognized transcripts and certifications. Quintana Roo accreditation refers to the regional educational approval from the state’s Ministry of Education, confirming compliance with local regulations and alignment with state educational goals.

Associations & Authorization

Affiliations foster regional partnerships that enrich the school’s community and student learning experiences. They promote professional development opportunities, shared resources, and best practices among member institutions. It enhances opportunities for student engagement through academic, cultural, and athletic events. Ultimately, these associations strengthen our alignment with international benchmarks of excellence and demonstrates our dedication to continuous improvement and leadership within the international education community.

Being associated with the Tri Association in Mexico connects a school to a respected network of international educators and institutions across Latin America.

Being associated with ASOMEX (The Association of American Schools in Mexico) provides IAS with a collaborative network committed to high standards in American-style education.

Association with the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) provides access to a network of innovative leaders and best practices from around the world, fostering professional growth and institutional development.

Offering the National Honor Society (NHS) in a school promotes academic excellence, leadership, service, and character among high-achieving students. It provides recognition and motivation for students to uphold high standards, while fostering a culture of integrity and civic responsibility. Additionally, NHS membership enhances college and scholarship opportunities, reflecting a school’s commitment to holistic student development.

Offering Advanced Placement (AP) classes demonstrates a school's commitment to academic excellence and college readiness, providing students with the opportunity to engage in rigorous, university-level coursework. These courses can enhance students’ college applications and may lead to college credit, saving time and tuition costs in higher education. Additionally, AP classes foster critical thinking, time management, and subject mastery, equipping students with essential skills for post-secondary success.

Being a TOEFL Testing site is crucial for an international school as it provides students with access to an internationally recognized English proficiency assessment, enhancing their academic opportunities. It allows students to directly demonstrate their English language skills to universities and institutions worldwide, opening doors for higher education. Furthermore, it elevates the school’s reputation, aligning it with global standards of academic excellence and fostering a diverse, international community.

Child Safeguarding

“The foremost responsibility of any school is to safeguard children and protect their well-being.”

The International American School of Cancun (IAS) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of all students; it expects all staff, external contractors, parents and other stakeholders to share this commitment.

We are committed to providing a secure and nurturing environment where students can learn and thrive. As part of this commitment:

All staff undergo rigorous vetting, including reference verification and background checks, before employment.
Teachers and staff receive ongoing training in child protection and safeguarding practices.
We maintain clear communication with local government authorities and fulfill all mandated reporting requirements when necessary.
Parents are offered regular workshops and resources to strengthen awareness and shared responsibility in safeguarding.
We have 24 hour security and limited access points and clear entrance protocols during the school day.

Together, these measures ensure that every student is supported, respected, and protected in accordance with international standards of child protection.

Should a community member have any concerns, please contact the school office and our
Child Safegaurding Team Leads will fillow up immediately.

Email: primary@ciac.edu.mx or highschool@ciac.edu.mx

Phone: (998) 882-2269

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at IAS

“We are committed to a diverse and respectful community where every student is respected, valued, and supported in their well-being.”

The International American School is dedicated to building and nurturing a community that values diversity and compassion, rooted in a strong foundation of integrity.

We are an international school, with wide range of international and national cultures represented. A culturally diverse school helps students develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Encountering new and different ideas and perspectives makes students evaluate their viewpoints.

Our educational system is academically rigorous and demands high performance, where educators, students and their families are rewarded for their partnership and combined efforts. Our admissions and student discipline policies reflects this commitment by only seeking and retaining students who not only demonstrate academic excellence but also embody school values, empathy and ethical responsibility.

We adhere to a policy of nondiscrimination in admissions and educational programs/activities and strive affirmatively to provide equal opportunity for all. We prohibit discrimination against employees, parents or students on the basis of sex, race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, gender identification, social and family background, linguistic preference, pregnancy, and any other legally prohibited basis.