Become A Member

IALDS is always thrilled by the prospect of collaboration with a motivated institution. Below are some vital aspects of its vision and process, which should illuminate what inquiring parties should know, and can expect before, during and after the application.

Please review the following before submitting an application to receive IALDS accreditation:

Standards

The criteria by which the IALDS committee grants membership have been extensively formulated to yield only schools with the highest standards for serving the families of gifted students. The following requirements will need to be satisfied in order to secure IALDS membership and eventual accreditation.

IALDS Standards

Ambition
IALDS responds positively to institutions that insist on continual improvement in processes and standards.  Just like the students in school who yearn for self-improvement, the school itself should be seeking the very same, both in its daily functionality as well as with an overarching approach and agenda that supports a clear vision and mission. This works hand-in-hand with collaboration being the second standard of the IALDS.

Collaboration
Collegial collaboration is an imperative goal for any traditional school that serves gifted students, so that the lessons learned go far beyond academic mastery. IALDS firmly believes in keeping fingers on the pulse of contemporary education, be it via studies, statistics, trends, politics or even new theory. A school that is flexible, aware of its community’s educational needs, and aware of developments in the realm of accreditation, is a school that is likely IALDS-ready.

Academia
Curriculum, regardless of its delivery, is the sustenance on which traditional schools survive and students thrive. Member schools will be expected to produce graduates with a mastery of the subjects, knowledge, and skills statistically supported as essential to student development.

Faculty & Administration
IALDS understands the need for traditional schools that serve the gifted to have faculty and administrators with prestigious credentials, like master’s degrees and terminal degrees. Therefore, it requires member schools to provide an environment where young people are
inspired and equipped at a level that far exceeds what one would expect in an average school while ensuring that every teacher on campus feels at ease and is respected by administrators.

If your institution meets these requirements and you would like to apply on its behalf for IALDS membership, simply click here.

Accreditation Process

IALDS strives for an accreditation process that’s as seamless as the educational systems it supports. Below are the steps necessary to achieve IALDS membership and accreditation.

Stage 1: Satisfaction Survey Data Submission. Submit at least one calendar year of quarterly satisfaction surveys collected from and shared with all key constituents (institutions that have been operating for less than twelve months may be granted provisional membership in anticipation of such surveys).

Stage 2: Curriculum Submission. After receiving the remaining IALDS standards by post or email, unless your course materials and curriculum have been previously approved, you will be asked to submit two copies of all relevant curriculum materials plus an application fee of $250 to cover the cost of processing and review.

Stage 3: IALDS Committee Review. The IALDS Standards Committees will review all materials and submit additional questions, if necessary. This process normally takes between 30 and 180 days.

Stage 4: IALDS In-Person School Evaluation. Upon committee approval, IALDS members will visit the applying school to confirm all requirements as stated are met, unless all curriculum and staff qualifications have been previously approved.

Stage 5: Initial Annual Dues and Final Approval. Upon a successful in-person visit by IALDS staff, if required, the school will receive an invoice for all dues and expenses. Membership begins upon final approval and the receipt of any initial dues required.

Accreditation Fees

Numerous factors are accounted for in determining fees for IALDS, including but not limited to:

● The number of students attending the applicable school
● The number of days necessary for a proper IALDS in-person evaluation
● Whether the applicable school has applied previously for membership and/or
accreditation

In no event will fees exceed $100 per student per year. Dues are in accordance with the applicable school’s annual budget.

Start Application

To begin the application process please complete the form fields below – during the application process you will also be required to provide additional information about your school including, but not limited to, copies of satisfaction survey data, copies of curriculum, organization structure and contact information of key individuals.

*Stage 1 - Satisfaction Survey Data Submission

Submit at least one calendar year of approval satisfaction surveys collected from and shared with all key constituents (institutions that have been operating for less than twelve months may be granted provisional membership in anticipation of such surveys).

After receiving the remaining IALDS standards by post or email, unless your course materials and curriculum have been previously approved for another member school, you will be asked to submit two copies of all relevant curriculum materials plus an application fee of $250 to cover the cost of processing and review.


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