Beginning the Accreditation Process
Getting Started
After reviewing the WASC Conditions of Eligibility, interested schools should complete the WASC Application and submit it to the WASC office. Schools seeking joint accreditation should contact the WASC office.
Supplementary Education Programs should review the SEP Conditions of Eligibility. Interested SEPs should complete the Application and submit it to the WASC office.
Public, Charter, Private, and Religious Schools
International Schools
Adult Schools and ROCPs (Non-degree granting)
Supplementary Education Programs
District Accreditation
- WASC Application Steps
- District accreditation is for public school districts who are seeking accreditation as an organization. Please contact the WASC Office for more information.
Application Fees
California, Hawaii, and Pacific Islands Schools
A $160.00 nonrefundable application fee is required and must be submitted at the same time as the WASC Application. Payment may be made by check or PayPal. Checks should be made out to the Accrediting Commission for Schools, WASC. Checks should be mailed to the Burlingame WASC office: WASC, 533 Airport Boulevard, Suite 200, Burlingame, CA 94010.
Initial visits to newly established schools can not occur prior to the second semester of operation. If you have any questions regarding the accreditation process, please feel free to contact the WASC office.
International Schools
A $500 nonrefundable application fee is required and must be submitted at the same time as the WASC Application. Payment may be made by check or PayPal. International schools may also pay by wire transfer. Checks should be made out to the Accrediting Commission for Schools, WASC. Checks should be mailed to the Burlingame WASC office: WASC, 533 Airport Boulevard, Suite 200, Burlingame, CA 94010.
Initial visits to newly established schools can not occur prior to the second semester of operation. If you have any questions regarding the accreditation process, please feel free to contact the WASC office.
WASC PayPal Payment Instructions
International schools should contact the WASC Business Office for wire transfer instructions.
Initial Visit and Notification
On receipt of the forms and approval to proceed, WASC will arrange for a two-member, one- or two-day initial visit to the school. Following the visit, the visiting committee will prepare a report to present to WASC for action. This report will include recommendations regarding the school’s ongoing improvement.
The school will be notified of the Commission’s action. If the Commission’s action is favorable, the school will be granted either initial accreditation or candidacy for a period of time not to exceed three years. The Initial Visit Procedures explain the distinction between initial and candidacy status which is based on the degree to which the school is meeting the WASC criteria.
Membership Fees
Schools are required to pay WASC membership fees for the year in which they are granted initial or candidacy status and every year thereafter. Initial accreditation and candidacy status are retroactive; accreditation status starts on July 1 and expires on June 30.