Accreditation for microschools is an important conversation. At Meridian Learning, we recognized this need early. In 2020, we launched the first microschool-specific accreditation pathway, designed to support schools that are small by design, relationship-centered, and rooted in community. Our model is:
Tiered: Three levels of accreditation, from a streamlined review to a collaborative peer evaluation.
Affordable: Ranging from $275–$850 every three years, making quality recognition accessible.
Practical: A timeline of 1–3 months from submission to decision, respecting the realities of small schools.
Over the past five years, member schools have used this process to grow in clarity, strengthen community trust, and plan for long-term sustainability.
Because our model was created within the grassroots movement itself, it reflects the real needs of founders and families — not the expectations of large institutions or accelerators. Accreditation has helped small schools articulate their vision, reassure parents, and demonstrate that innovation and accountability can coexist. For some, it has provided the credibility to expand thoughtfully; for others, it has simply affirmed that staying intentionally small is a strength, not a weakness.
As more organizations join the accreditation conversation, it’s worth remembering that grassroots leaders laid the foundation. At Meridian, we’ll continue supporting microschools with a full portfolio of community resources — including accreditation, mentorships, online courses, and consulting — because sustainability in this movement depends on both innovation and accountability.
Learn more about our accreditation pathway here.