There are different procedures and templates for Private Schools, California Public and Charter Schools, and Supplementary Education Programs.

• Initial Visit Procedures for Private Schools, Religious Schools, Overseas Schools, and Supplementary Education Programs
• Initial Visit Procedures for California Public and Charter Schools Procedures
• Initial Visit Procedures for Postsecondary Schools
• Initial Visit Procedures for Supplementary Education Centers/Programs

Additional information can be found on the Getting Started with Accreditation page of the WASC website.

• WASC

  WASC Initial Visit - Visiting Committee Report Template

• 
  WASC/CDE (California Public and Charter schools)

  WASC Initial Visit - Visiting Committee Report Template (California CDE only)

• 
  POSTSECONDARY SCHOOLS

  Postsecondary Institutions Initial Visit - Visiting Committee Report Template

• 
  SUPPLEMENTARY EDUCATION PROGRAMS/CENTERS

  Supplementary Education Programs Chair Previsit Report Template

• 
  Additional Information

  Sample Initial Visit Schedule

The accreditation status recommendation options are the following:

1. Initial Accreditation:
   Initial accreditation is for schools that meet the WASC criteria for full accreditation and have a history and support system indicating a high-quality program that can be sustained into the foreseeable future.
2. Candidacy:
   Candidacy is a status of affiliation indicating that an institution has achieved initial recognition and is progressing toward, but does not yet assume, accreditation. The candidate for accreditation classification is designed for schools that are not yet ready for the full evaluation based on the WASC criteria for accreditation. The schools must provide evidence of sound planning with sufficient resources to implement these plans, and must appear to have the potential for attaining its goals within a reasonable time. Candidate schools are required to submit a written report to the Commission during the spring of the school year following the initial visit, indicating progress being made in meeting the recommendations of the initial visiting committee and noting any substantial changes in the organization or operation of the school. Schools are normally expected to apply for full accreditation by the third year of candidacy.
3. Accreditation Status Withheld:
   Accreditation may be withheld if it is determined that the school does not fully meet WASC criteria for affiliation with the Accrediting Commission for Schools. A school may wish to reapply after deficiencies have been remedied.

The accreditation status is confidential and is not shared with the school.

The WASC Commission grants a status of accreditation based on the WASC criteria and accreditation status factors as noted in the Visiting Committee Report and the accreditation status recommendation of the visiting team.