In May, The Chicago School received a notice from the American Psychological Association (APA) announcing that the organization was awarding accreditation to the Psy.D. School Psychology program through 2034. This marks a significant milestone for The Chicago School and its continuing commitment to providing excellence in school psychology education.
APA accreditation represents the highest quality in professional psychology training. This announcement comes at the conclusion of a seven-year process in which The Chicago School’s School Psychology department demonstrated sustained success that meets the APA’s rigorous standards in education and training.
The accreditation reinforces The Chicago School’s dedication to providing students with a comprehensive curriculum of academic excellence, innovation, and ethical practice.
“It tells students who are applying that our program has a stamp of approval,” says School Psychology Department Chair Rachel Losoff, Ph.D., LCP, NCSP. “We’ve met those standards.”
Dr. Losoff shared her excitement that accreditation validates the School Psychology Department’s ongoing efforts.
“You have to make sure that the courses are aligned with the APA standards,” she says. “You have a process for student placements out in the field, and you’re building a community of students and faculty where they feel supported.”
In addition to adding enhanced legitimacy to the School Psychology program, accreditation also offers School Psychology students at The Chicago School expanded opportunities for internships and improved career prospects, as many organizations and state licensing boards require graduation from an APA-accredited program.
Once they graduate from The Chicago School, School Psychology students will benefit from the accreditation when they apply for their clinical licenses, Dr. Losoff says. If a program isn’t accredited, students typically must submit a great deal of extra paperwork to obtain that license. With the accreditation, this process becomes simpler and clearer.
Dr. Losoff underscores that with earning accreditation comes the responsibility to ensure that the program remains within the APA standards and continues providing the best education for its students. “You have to make thoughtful changes and make sure to stay within the standards,” she says. “But we are a school psychology program. Our students can run a private practice independently with their clinical license, but they have this more targeted approach toward understanding school systems. It’s why we’re unique.”