Our Accreditation
Mariners Christian School is a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School
The Blue Ribbon designation is the highest honor given by the Department of Education and is used to recognize schools that have demonstrated exemplary achievement and overall academic excellence. MCS qualified for this honor initially in 2007 and again in 2020. The coveted National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of MCS students, educators, and families in creating a safe and welcoming school where our students can master challenging and engaging content.
More on the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
The National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS) Program, established in 1982 by the U.S. Department of Education, recognizes outstanding public and non-public schools for overall academic excellence or significant progress in closing achievement gaps. The program highlights top-performing schools nationwide and shares their successful practices to inspire improvement across the country. Each year, several hundred schools are selected through a rigorous nomination and review process, making the Blue Ribbon distinction a prestigious symbol of educational excellence.
Mariners Christian School is honored to be named a National Blue Ribbon School, a recognition that affirms our commitment to academic achievement, Christ-centered education, and a nurturing school environment. This achievement reflects the dedication of our students, teachers, families, and community to creating a place where every child is challenged, supported, and encouraged to thrive.
Over the past 40 years, less than 1% of American schools have achieved this honor—including public, charter, magnet, parochial, and independent schools of all sizes and locations. While each Blue Ribbon school is unique, all share a strong vision of excellence, high expectations, effective leadership, and a collaborative approach that values data-driven instruction and community involvement. Awarded schools are honored annually in Washington, D.C., and serve as models of success for others nationwide.
CESA accredited for Christ-centered excellence
The Council on Educational Standards and Accountability exists to motivate, support, and hold accountable Christian schools that aspire to superlative academic standards, institutional best practices, and collaboration with like‑minded schools.
MCS’s accreditation by CESA complements its other accreditations, showcasing its commitment to both spiritual formation and academic excellence.
More on the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability
Mariners Christian School is honored to be accredited by the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA), an organization dedicated to strengthening Christian schools by cultivating strong, mission-driven leadership. As a CESA-accredited school, MCS demonstrates its commitment to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and continuous institutional growth. CESA supports its member schools through leadership development, academic enrichment, and professional fellowship—advancing the mission of Christian education across the nation.
CESA promotes four core values that align with Mariners Christian School’s purpose and practices:
Cohesive Christian Identity
CESA affirms the Nicene Creed and expects its member schools to reflect a deeply rooted Biblical worldview throughout their programs, policies, and culture. MCS embraces this identity by integrating faith into all aspects of learning and leadership, affirming the authority of Scripture and the Lordship of Christ.
Pedagogical Sanctification
Learning is viewed by CESA as a sacred act—one that requires academic rigor and spiritual depth. Mariners Christian School shares this conviction, providing students with meaningful challenge, holistic growth, and preparation for a life of human flourishing grounded in truth and grace.
Fraternal Accountability
As part of the CESA community, MCS adheres to rigorous standards and best practices, committing to continuous improvement through a spirit of humility and accountability. The school embraces this culture of excellence, always striving toward school-wide advancement and faithful stewardship.
Purposeful Community
MCS benefits from rich collaboration with like-minded Christian schools and leaders through CESA. These relationships foster thoughtful dialogue, strategic innovation, and a shared pursuit of growth—for the good of our students, our school, and the broader Christian education movement.
Through CESA accreditation, Mariners Christian School joins a fellowship of leading Christian institutions devoted to building Christ-centered, academically excellent, and spiritually vibrant school communities.
Mariners Christian School is WASC accredited
ACS WASC advances and validates quality ongoing school improvement by supporting its private and public elementary, secondary, and postsecondary member institutions to engage in a rigorous and relevant self-evaluation and peer review process that focuses on equity, inclusion, and access to high-level, rigorous learning opportunities for all students.
WASC accreditation affirms that Mariners Christian School is not only a Christ centered institution, but also one that meets or exceeds regional standards for academic quality, operational effectiveness, and educational impact.
More on the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability
Mariners Christian School is proud to be accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), one of the four U.S. regional accrediting agencies and a globally recognized leader in school accreditation. Serving over 5,500 schools worldwide—including in California, Hawaii, Asia, and the Pacific—ACS WASC affirms the quality and integrity of schools through a rigorous process of self-study and peer review.
As a WASC-accredited school, Mariners Christian School demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement, academic excellence, and student well-being. The accreditation process ensures that MCS meets high standards for governance, instructional practices, and school operations while fostering a culture of reflection, data-driven planning, and professional growth.
WASC’s mission to support equitable, rigorous learning environments aligns with MCS’s goal of providing a trustworthy, Christ-centered education. Accreditation also validates the school’s academic program and transcripts, facilitating credit transfer and college admissions. Mariners Christian School is honored to be recognized by WASC as a school dedicated to excellence and ongoing growth.