WASC Seal

WASC Accrediting Commission for Schools

ACS WASC accredits K-12 schools and non-degree granting postsecondary institutions

           
 
Getting Started with Accreditation
 
How does a school begin the accreditation process?
 
After reviewing the WASC Conditions of Eligibility, interested schools and supplementary education programs should complete the Request for WASC Affiliation form and return the completed form to the WASC office.

International schools should visit the International Schools page for details on getting started with the WASC accreditation process.

Postsecondary institutions should visit the WASC Postsecondary Institutions page for details on getting started with the WASC accreditation process.

Supplementary Education Centers/Programs should visit the Supplementary Education Programs page for details on getting started with the WASC accreditation process.

A $150.00 application fee is required and should accompany the completed form(s). Completed Request for WASC Affiliation forms must be received no later than April 30 to schedule a fall visit and no later than September 30 to schedule a spring visit. Initial visits to newly established schools will not occur prior to the second semester of operation, i.e., a spring visit if a school opens in the fall. If you have any questions regarding the accreditation process, please feel free to contact the WASC office.

 

Application Fee Policy:  

  • A $150.00 application fee is required and should be submitted with the completed Request for WASC Affiliation form.
  • If the school or program withdraws from the application process, the $150.00 fee is nonrefundable.
  • If the school or program reapplies or postpones the visit to another school year, an additional $150.00 fee is required.
  • If WASC determines that the school or program is not eligible for affiliation with WASC, the $150.00 fee will be refunded.
 
If it is determined that a school or program may be eligible for affiliation with WASC, an Initial Visit School Description report template will be sent for completion that correlates with one of the following manuals:
 

WASC Initial Visit Procedures Manual, 2013 Edition
For:
  • All Private Schools
  • All Religious Schools
  • International Schools
WASC Initial Visit Procedures for California Public Schools, 2011 Edition
For:
  • California Public Schools
  • California Charter Schools
Postsecondary Accreditation Manual, 2011 Edition For:
  • Postsecondary Schools
Supplementary Education Centers/Programs Accreditation Manual, 2010 Edition For:
  • Supplementary Education Centers/Programs
 
On receipt of the forms and approval to proceed, the executive director will arrange for a two-member, one- or two-day visit to the school. Following the visit, the visiting committee will prepare a report to present to the WASC Accrediting Commission for Schools for action. This report will include recommendations regarding the school’s ongoing improvement.
 
The school will be notified by the executive director of the Commission’s action. If the Commission’s action is favorable, the school will be granted either interim accreditation or candidacy, for a term not to exceed three years. The Initial Visit Procedures Manuals explain the distinction between interim and candidacy status based on the degree to which the school is meeting the WASC criteria.
 
 
Loading

 
           
   
View WASC Privacy Statement
 
Return to top
 
 
 
Welcome | FAQ | Directory of Schools | Contact Us
Calendar of Events/Training Schedule:  Self-Study Training | Revisit / Review Training | VC Member Training | VC Chair Training | UC Extension Classes
Why Accreditation | Overview | Accreditation Cycle | WASC Criteria | The Commission | WASC Fees | Getting Started | Affiliations
Volunteering | VC Chair | VC Member | Revisits/Reviews | WASC Members | Travel/Expense Info | CA Comprehensive/Charter | CA Alternative Education  | Adult ROCP | HI Comprehensive | HI Adult | Public Pacific Islands | Private | International | Postsecondary | Supplementary Education Programs
Accreditation-Plus is a trademark of and powered by iCohere