In January, we received the news we had been anticipating: The Pearl Remote Democratic High School has been recommended for full Next Generation Accreditation by the Middle States Association. While the Middle States Commission will officially vote in April, the recommendation itself already feels like a major milestone for us!
Here’s the thing: many microschools deliberately choose not to pursue accreditation. And for good reason. Microschools are often designed to be unique, flexible, and gloriously free from the rigid structures and standardized requirements that mainstream accreditation can demand. For our first couple of years, that was exactly our thinking, too. Accreditation wasn’t part of our original strategic plan. We were happily doing our own thing.
So what changed?
Our school evolved! As many schools do, including microschools. Our student and family demographics began to shift, and we wanted to offer different high school pathway options that would genuinely serve those needs. So, accreditation started to make sense, not as a stamp of approval for approval’s sake, but as a way to open doors.
We initially explored a long-standing, well-recognized accrediting body and met with its team a few times. What we discovered was rather discouraging. Our holistic and innovative approach, our very small size, and our mastery-based evaluation system (which doesn’t rely on standardized tests or exams) didn’t quite fit their framework.
Then, just as we were reconsidering the whole idea, we learned about the Middle States Association’s Next Generation Accreditation (NGA) pilot program through the National Microschooling Center. We are deeply grateful to the National Microschooling Center for making that connection because it was truly a turning point. After attending their workshop, we had that rare and wonderful realization: They actually get us and our unique strengths!
Our journey officially began in May 2025, when we applied to the NGA pilot program. We were accepted into Cohort 3 in September, followed by a virtual candidacy visit in October. From then until early January 2026, we worked intensively on the Self Study, assembling a mountain of documentation: policies, guidelines, plans, reports, and more. Yes, it was paperwork-heavy. But what surprised us most was how reflective the process became. Each document we created pulled us back to The Pearl’s mission, vision, and guiding principles, and each time we revisited them our belief in the school grew stronger. That reflection alone made this one of the most meaningful leadership experiences I’ve had.
After submitting the Self Study, we hosted an all-day virtual validation visit with the Middle States accreditation team. We discussed our foundations, resources, and governance. They observed classes and facilitated focus groups with board members, educators, students, and families. It was thorough. It was intense. And, unexpectedly, it was empowering.
As a school grounded in democratic education, The Pearl prioritizes participation, voice, and meaningful choice. The visiting team saw that these values aren’t just aspirational language on our website; they’re lived out daily in classrooms, community meetings, and school culture. What we say aligns with what we do. Our work is intentional, research-based, and purpose-driven.
This NGA experience wasn’t about squeezing a round peg into a square hole. It was about reflection, alignment, and integrity. More than anything, it reaffirmed that The Pearl as a microschool is for students, families, and the community that genuinely believe in our intentional and inclusive educational philosophy.
As we await the final decision in April, we want to leave a message to our fellow microschools: we know accreditation isn't the right path for everyone. But if it's part of your future plans, remember that your uniqueness is not a barrier to accreditation. It's your greatest asset.