Accrediting Commission for Schools

Accreditation Process Overview

ACS WASC accreditation is a process schools use to monitor student learning and set school improvement goals. ACS WASC accreditation is an ongoing cycle of quality. Schools assess their program and the impact on student learning with respect to the ACS WASC criteria and other accreditation factors.
Every six years,* accredited schools conduct a self-study and host a self-study visit. The self-study process culminates in the refinement of a schoolwide action plan. Throughout the accreditation cycle, schools are expected to address the schoolwide action plan and demonstrate evidence of acceptable student achievement and school improvement. Appropriate reports and reviews throughout the six-year cycle of accreditation support this process.
Accreditation materials and templates can be found under the School Process drop-down list from the menu bar. Select the appropriate link for a list of school accreditation materials. The protocol and self-study materials should align to the school type, school location, and any joint affiliation. Procedures and templates for other types of ACS WASC visits can be found at the bottom of the School Process pages. Please check with the ACS WASC office if you are not sure which materials your school should use or where your school is in the accreditation cycle.

Status Explanation

ACS WASC accreditation is an ongoing six-year cycle of quality whereby the school demonstrates the capacity, commitment, and competence to support high-quality student learning and ongoing school improvement. The school assesses its program and its impact on student learning with respect to the ACS WASC criteria/indicators and other accreditation factors. Schools are expected to participate in self-study training provided by ACS WASC throughout the 18 months prior to the full self-study visit. This self-study process culminates in the refinement of a 3–5 year schoolwide action plan. Throughout the cycle, a school is expected to address the schoolwide action plan and demonstrate evidence of acceptable student achievement and school improvement.

See the ACS WASC Accreditation Status Explanation for additional information.

* Some schools are on a five or seven-year accreditation cycle.
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