It is important to determine if an international school is accredited so that degrees and educational credit is accepted internationally. In most countries in the world, the function of educational accreditation is conducted by a government organization, such as a ministry of education.

CoIS: Council of International Schools is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which aims to improve international education. It provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools. In addition, international schools are usually affiliated with other schools in their region by the following associations:

• ECIS: European Council of International Schools
• EARCOS: East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools
• NESA: Near East South Asia Association of Schools
• AASSA: Association of American Schools in South America
• MAIS: Mediterranean Association of International Schools