HISTORY
The Minnesota Nonpublic School
Accrediting Association (MNSAA) was established in 1976 to accredit nonpublic
secondary schools. Prior to this
time, the nonpublic secondary schools were accredited through an exclusive
process by the University of Minnesota. In
response to a broad petition, the Association began accrediting nonpublic
elementary schools in 1983.
MNSAA currently serves as the largest nonpublic school accrediting association
for elementary schools in the State of Minnesota, accrediting over 170
nonpublic schools. The Minnesota
Nonpublic Education Council has officially recognized MNSAA as an
education accrediting association within the State of Minnesota. MNSAA is also recognized as a state chapter of the National
Federation of Nonpublic
State School Accrediting Associations.
MNSAA was intentionally established to be a
secular entity. The association serves a significant number of Catholic
schools throughout the State of Minnesota, yet MNSAA also supports a mix of
faith-based and independent nonpublic schools. Other background represented
in MNSAA include Christian, WELS, Church of the Lutheran Brethren, Independent, and
Orthodox Jewish. Historically, MNSAA has accredited schools of SDA, Missouri
Synod, Native American, and other backgrounds.
MISSION
The mission of the Minnesota
Nonpublic School Accrediting Association is to be a catalyst for enhancing the
quality of nonpublic education in K-12 Minnesota schools through a comprehensive
accreditation process.
MNSAA fulfills its mission by:
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Establishing high standards of quality and excellence for
the learning process
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Facilitating the continuous improvement of member
schools;
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Monitoring accountability of member schools;
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Providing education and training opportunities; and
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Developing
relationships with public and private organizations.
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Requiring an
extensive self-evaluation and visionary strategic plan for improvement.
Our purpose is to
assist member schools in developing and maintaining the highest possible
educational standards that promote student growth and school improvement.
MNSAA assists member schools in preserving vital freedoms which enable them
to practice their various philosophies of education and to thrive in a
pluralistic society.
CONTACT
INFORMATION
Minnesota
Nonpublic School Accrediting Association
475
University Avenue West
St.
Paul, MN 55103
Sarah W. Mueller, Executive Director
Phone:
651-256-7588
Fax:
651-227-2675
Email:
smueller@mnsaa.org
