Global Step Academy and Cognia Accreditation

Welcome to the Cognia Accreditation Page, where we share our achievement as the first school group in Japan to earn the prestigious Cognia® Systems Accreditation. This milestone underscores our commitment to delivering the highest standards of education and continuous improvement for our students.

What is Cognia?

Cognia is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization committed to accrediting and improving educational institutions worldwide. Established in 1985 as the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), it rebranded in 2018 following a merger with Measured Progress. Today, Cognia operates in over 90 countries, offering accreditation, evaluation, and improvement services to schools, districts, and education service providers globally.

At Global Step Academy, our Cognia Systems Accreditation confirms:

• Our commitment to providing globally recognized, high-quality education.
• Our dedication to continuous improvement through evaluation and innovation.
• Our ability to create learning environments that prepare students for success in a global society.

This recognition highlights the quality of our programs and ensures that our students benefit from a curriculum fostering critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness.

Recognition by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT)

Cognia accreditation is recognized by MEXT (文部科学省), granting university entrance qualifications to graduates of Cognia-accredited schools in Japan. Specifically:

• Students who complete 12 years of education at a Cognia-accredited school are eligible for university admission in Japan.
• This recognition applies to schools accredited by Cognia member organizations:
  • North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI)
  • Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI)

For more details, refer to MEXT’s official page.

What Does Cognia Accreditation Mean for GSA Graduates?

Graduating from a Cognia-accredited institution ensures that students can:

• Pursue Higher Education Worldwide: GSA graduates meet international standards, enabling them to apply to top universities globally.
• Gain Recognition in Japan: Cognia accreditation ensures eligibility for university admissions in Japan as recognized by MEXT.* *Students who graduate from GSAIS when it solidifies as a K-12 institution will be eligible for university admission.
• Demonstrate Academic Excellence: Accredited education signifies preparation for academic and professional success.

Certificates and Accreditations for Our Services

Global Step Academy’s Cognia accreditation covers all our educational offerings:

• International School Programs: Providing high-quality K-12 education tailored for global success.
  • Accreditation Certificate for Global Step Academy International School
  • Accreditation Certificate for Global Step Academy International School K-12
• After-School and Seasonal Programs: Enriching learning through extracurricular activities.
  • Accreditation Certificate for Soltilo GSA International School
• Online Programs: Delivering flexible, innovative education worldwide.
  • Accreditation Certificate for Global Step Academy
  • Accreditation Certificate for Global Step Academy (GSA) Group