The earliest discussions leading to the creation of AIJS date back to 2000, when a number of interested institutions met to discuss forming an organization to facilitate the growth and quality of institutions offering a core of Jewish Studies by conducting comprehensive and systematic evaluations of institutions and subsequently granting accreditation to those institutions that meet the organization’s standards.

In June 2009, AIJS site visitors conducted the agency’s first site visit at an institution and the Executive Accreditation Council of AIJS granted accreditation to the institution in November 2009. AIJS has been conducting accreditation related activities since that time.

In December 2014, AIJS submitted a petition for initial recognition to the US Department of Education.

In December 2015, The National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) voted unanimously to approve the AIJS petition and on March 10, 2016 the US Department of Education formally recognized AIJS as a nationaly recognized accrediting agency.

AIJS continues its ongoing mission to promote educational excellence through the accreditation of high quality Jewish study learning institutions whom can validate successful student achievement through demonstated qualitative and quantitative learning outcomes measures. This effort fosters greater and broader community recognition of institutions of higher education who emphasize Jewish and related studies.