The Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools accredit early-childhood through post-secondary, non-degree granting public, private, faith-based educational institutions including special purpose schools, supplementary education centers, learning services providers and distance education institutions.  The Commission on Elementary Schools and the Commission on Secondary Schools are independently administered divisions of Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Inc., a Pennsylvania not for profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Historically, MSA-CESS has operated in the mid-Atlantic region (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia); with its cooperative partners, it has expanded its scope to include schools and institutions seeking accreditation throughout the United States.  The Commissions also award accreditation to member institutions in more than 85 countries around the world.

The Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools are affiliated with the United States State Department’s Office of Overseas Schools and provide accreditation services to American and International style schools attended by members of the U.S. foreign service and U.S. citizens working for non-government agencies and multi-national corporations.  The Commission on Secondary Schools is also recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a gatekeeper for eligibility for Title IV funding for post-secondary non-degree granting institutions and distance education.