Guidepost Montessori and the Academy of Thought and Industry Earn Cognia System Accreditation

April 12, 2021

LAKE FOREST, CA – Higher Ground Education, the leading network of schools dedicated to Montessori education, announced today that Guidepost Montessori and the Academy of Thought and Industry have earned system accreditation by Cognia™, a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers.

Cognia, formerly AdvancED, nationally recognizes districts that meet rigorous standards that focus on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation that meet the needs of learners, and effective leadership. Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means that the system and all of its domestic and international schools are accredited, and that Guidepost Montessori and the Academy of Thought and Industry are recognized across the nation as school systems that meet Cognia Standards of Quality, and maintain a commitment to continuous improvement.

“Systems accreditation as conferred by the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission provides Guidepost Montessori and the Academy of Thought and Industry a nationally recognized mark of quality for our school system and each school within it,” said Jocelyn Scotty, Vice President of Schools at Higher Ground Education. “It demonstrates to our community our commitment to excellence, our openness to external review and feedback, and our desire to be the best we can be on behalf of the students we serve.”

To earn accreditation from Cognia, a school district must also implement a continuous process of improvement, and submit to internal and external review. School systems in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a five-year term.

Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia, stated, " Cognia System Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school system and its community on the primary goal of preparing lifelong learners in engaging environments where all students can flourish. Guidepost Montessori and the Academy of Thought and Industry are to be commended for demonstrating that they have met high standards, and are making progress on key indicators that impact student learning.”

Cognia is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). Parents and interested community members can learn more about the Cognia Accreditation at cognia.org.

About Cognia

Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, professional learning, and improvement services to institutions and other education providers. The result of the merger of AdvancED and Measured Progress, Cognia was formed to bridge the gap between school evaluation and student assessment. As a global nonprofit working in over 80 countries, our 36,000 institutions serve and support nearly 25 million students and five million educators every day. Cognia serves as trusted partner in advancing learning for all learners. Find out more at cognia.org.

About Higher Ground Education

Founded in 2016 by seasoned Montessori educators and entrepreneurs, Higher Ground operates Guidepost Montessori, the largest growing network of Montessori schools with over 80 locations across the US and China. It has grown into an omni-channel business offering in-person, at-home, and virtual learning options that enable parents, students, and educators to seamlessly access Montessori-inspired education and training, no matter where they reside. The company places particular emphasis on accommodating families’ ability to travel and migrate, and regards “continuity of education” as one of its core value propositions. To learn more, visit www.tohigherground.com