Built for the way the world learns now.

A group of highly accomplished leaders in education accreditation assembled to answer a single question: what should a worldwide accreditation organization look like in the 21st century? Accreditation International is the answer.

"A cadre of accreditation leaders speaking dozens of languages and representing every culture."

Our Origin

Tradition refined by research.

Ai was created to blend traditional accreditation methods, those that emphasize collegial peer review and self-study, with modern research-based approaches, 21st-century competencies, and international benchmarks.

We operate across five educational sectors: traditional schools, career and technical education, distance learning, early childhood programs, and supplementary education. Through cooperative international relationships, Ai offers dual accreditation (national plus international) and partners to develop new accrediting bodies in markets where they are needed.

Our review teams include experienced accreditation leaders from around the world, speaking dozens of languages and representing every region we serve.

What We Stand For

Core values that guide every review.

The principles below shape our standards, our review teams, and our partnerships with the schools and centers we accredit.

  1. iBe Trustworthy in Personnel and Processes
  2. iiExpect Agreement
  3. iiiRefute Exclusivity
  4. ivEmbrace Diversity
  5. vValue Education Leadership
  6. viSecure Excellence in Education
  7. viiMaintain Traditional Accreditation
  8. viiiPromote Equity, Justice, and Peace
  9. ixEncourage Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  10. xSeek Cooperation, Affiliation, and Networking
  11. xiUtilize Standards based on Research and International Perspectives
  12. xiiRecognize Accreditation's Role in Continuous Development
Our Team

The Ai leadership team.

Reach our leadership directly across our headquarters in the United States and our regional offices in Luxembourg, Amman, and Seoul.

Don D. Petry, Ed.D.

Founder, Headquarters, USA
drdpetry@aiaccredits.org

Jesse T. Haines, Ph.D.

Executive Director, Headquarters, USA & Luxembourg Office
jesse@aiaccredits.org

Jamie Cheesman

Director of Operations and Technology, Headquarters, USA
jamiec@aiaccredits.org

David Reed, Ph.D.

Associate Director, Headquarters, USA
david@aiaccredits.org

Samah Fakhouri

Associate Director, Middle East, Amman Office
samahf@aiaccredits.org

Derrick Hong

Associate Director, East Asia, Seoul Office
derrickh@aiaccredits.org
Cooperative Partners

Ai maintains Cooperative Accreditation protocols with the Middle States Association – Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Qualifying schools may be eligible to participate in the cooperative protocol. Please reach out to Jesse Haines, Executive Director at jesse@aiaccredits.org.

Ai is a unifying entity promoting education accreditation across the globe through quality assurance, institutional improvement, and the elevation of student outcomes wherever learning happens.
— Accreditation International
Begin Your Process

Become part of a global standard for educational excellence.

Speak with our team about the right accreditation pathway for your institution.