Who We Are
We’re honored that we’ve served so many education institutions and students since 1895. That’s when we began our legacy of accomplishments in school improvement and accreditation, and we’ve been leaders in assessment for close to four decades. However, our past success doesn’t define our practice—it serves as a secure foundation for the future. Our focus is firmly on today and tomorrow—seeking what works in your schools and in others around the world, providing learning forums for skilled educators, and helping you provide students with the opportunities that knowledge brings.
Building on a proud legacy
Meaningful recognition
Since the founding of our original agencies, our accreditation and certification have represented high standards in education and provide a trustworthy mark of quality.
Steadfast commitment
Beginning in 1895, our leaders strove to support fellow educators in elevating their practice and giving students ever-increasing opportunities. Now—and tomorrow—we pursue the same mission.
Focus on service
We deliver expert guidance, resources, and practices. Equally important, at Cognia we listen—to learn your needs and respond with solutions that work for you.
OUR MISSION
To serve as a trusted partner in advancing learning.
OUR VISION
To impact and inspire education providers to advance and enable pathways of success for all learners.
OUR VALUES
Be Inclusive • Engage with Honesty • Pursue with Courage
Elevating teaching and learning—for 130 years
Personal connections sustain longstanding partnerships
Based on continued expertise, service, and support, more than 350 institutions have celebrated our accreditation of their schools’ quality for a century or longer.
Our heart comes from our heritage
Our continuing mission is to maximize opportunities in education—through advocacy and initiatives in school improvement and recognition, meaningful assessment, and effective guidance. Witnessing your progress in schools, systems, states, and international organizations fuels our continued commitment.
Our nonprofit status means something
Like you, we’re educators dedicated to your students’ success. We invest in research and resources; with no shareholders to answer to, we’re motivated by our common vision to open doors of potential for all learners, through knowledge.
Global perspective, local solutions
No matter how broad your expertise, education today presents unique challenges. Outside perspectives help leaders, like you, to understand where your schools excel, and where you need to focus to meet tomorrow’s students’ needs. Our century’s worth of classroom data, powered by a global network that reaches tens of millions of students, equips us to share our understanding of global trends and challenges, paired with keen awareness of what works day-to-day—in your region and around the world. Learn more about pathways to improvement with Cognia membership.
