Nord Anglia Education
WRITTEN BY
Nord Anglia
September 26, 2025

Why Accreditation Matters When Choosing an International School in Houston

Cobis - Cobis
Why Accreditation Matters When Choosing an International School in Houston
Accreditation matters when choosing an international school. BIS Houston is proud to be a COBIS Accredited Member and NEASC-accredited, offering families trusted quality, global recognition, and outstanding student outcomes.

BIS Houston: Proud to Be a COBIS Accredited Member and NEASC Accredited


What Accreditation Means for Families

When choosing a school, parents want reassurance.  Accreditation provides a globally recognised mark of excellence for international schools.  It’s an independent stamp of quality that confirms a school meets high standards in teaching, learning, leadership, and recognition reflects our commitment to academic excellence and world-class opportunities for every student.

For families relocating to Houston or seeking a globally respected education, accreditation signals that your child will be supported, challenged, and prepared for future success.

BIS Houston’s Dual Accreditation: COBIS and NEASC

At the British International School of Houston, we are proud to hold accreditation from:

  • NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges), one of the most respected accrediting bodies in the United States
  • COBIS (Council of British International Schools), a global organisation representing excellence in British international education

This dual recognition sets BIS Houston apart in the local international school landscape. It reflects our commitment to academic excellence, student wellbeing, and continuous improvement.

Why COBIS Accreditation Matters

COBIS membership is a trusted mark of quality. It confirms that BIS Houston meets rigorous standards and is committed to ongoing development.

As our Deputy Head, Rosemary Kiernan, shared in a recent COBIS case study:

“A COBIS membership is a mark of excellence in British international schools. It shows parents and other schools that we really care about high-quality education.”

Read the full case study here.

The Strength of Dual Accreditation

NEASC accreditation provides assurance of academic quality, governance, and student outcomes. COBIS adds the strength of British educational values and global connections.

Together, they offer:

  • A robust curriculum
  • Internationally recognised standards
  • A culture of continuous improvement
  • A globally connected learning experience

Benefits for Students and Families

Quality Assurance
Regular reviews ensure our programmes remain rigorous, relevant, and innovative.

Global Recognition
COBIS and NEASC are respected worldwide, ideal for families relocating internationally.

Student Opportunities
COBIS offers international competitions, leadership programmes, and cultural exchanges.

Teacher Development
Both organisations provide world-class training for educators, ensuring inspired teaching in every classroom.

Part of the Nord Anglia Education Family

As a Nord Anglia school, BIS Houston already offers exceptional collaborations with:

  • Juilliard for performing arts
  • MIT for STEAM innovation
  • UNICEF for global citizenship
  • IMG Academy for elite sports development

Our COBIS membership complements these partnerships, adding another layer of international recognition and opportunity.

Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence

As we mark our 25th anniversary, COBIS accreditation reflects both our history and our future. It honours the strong foundation built at BIS Houston and opens new doors for the next generation of learners.

Explore BIS Houston

If you’re looking for a school where your child will be challenged, supported, and inspired every day, we invite you to discover what makes BIS Houston unique.

Book a school tour or contact our admissions team to learn more.