Credential Application
Schools seeking to earn a new credential or to renew an existing credential:
The credential application window for 2026-27 is now open and will close on October 30, 2026.
Reach out the credential team with questions about the process at any time.
2026-27 Credential Application Materials
Review the criteria for earning the credential across Three Dimensions of Student Achievement
Make a copy of the MKS worksheet to determine whether your school qualifies in the Mastery of Knowledge & Skills dimension
You will be asked to submit your school’s completed worksheet in the application form.
Make a copy for your school to tell your story of impact across the Three Dimensions
Credential Annual Cycle
Consider Readiness (June - Oct)
Review the Credential Criteria to see if you are eligible to apply. Review your school data in each Dimension against criteria. Confer with your school designer/coach to support your data review.
2. Credential Application (Sep - Oct)
Collaborate with your EL Coach to draft and submit an application. Provide evidence of impact in the Three Dimensions, demonstrating your school’s readiness for either a Renewal Presentation or Site Visit.
3. Begin Planning (Nov - Feb)
By the end of November, learn whether your school has been invited to continue in this year’s credential process. Collaborate with your school’s coach, director, and the credential team to schedule and begin planning your site visit or renewal presentation.
4. Host a Site Visit or Renewal Presentation (Feb - May)
Tell your school’s story of impact in Three Dimensions of Student Achievement, through a 2-day in person site visit for new applicants or a 3-hour virtual presentation for renewing applicants — and through the submission of data your school collects to track progress towards impact in Character, High-Quality Work, and Mastery of Knowledge and Skills.
5. Decisions & Continuous Improvement (May -June)
At the end of the process, receive a final decision and detailed feedback from EL team. Celebrate your community’s achievements and implement feedback gathered through the process.
Schools may emerge from this process earning the Credential or a Pathway Credential in one or two Dimensions. It is also possible that a school emerges not yet ready to earn a Credential. In any case, EL Education will provide detailed feedback and ongoing support for continuous improvement work.