Beginning the Accreditation Process
Getting Started
After reviewing the ACS WASC Conditions of Eligibility, interested schools should complete the ACS WASC Application and submit it to the ACS WASC office. Schools seeking joint accreditation should contact the ACS WASC office.
Supplementary Education Programs should review the SEP Conditions of Eligibility. Interested SEPs should complete the Application and submit it to the ACS WASC office.
Public, Charter, Private, and Religious Schools
District Accreditation
- ACS WASC Application Steps
- District Accreditation is for public school districts who are seeking accreditation as an organization. Please contact the ACS WASC Office for more information.
International Schools
Adult Schools and ROCPs (Non-degree granting)
Supplementary Education Programs
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 ACS 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 ACS WASC office: ACS 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 ACS WASC office.
International Schools
A $500 nonrefundable application fee is required and must be submitted at the same time as the ACS 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 ACS WASC office: ACS 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 ACS WASC office.
International schools should contact the ACS WASC Business Office for wire transfer instructions.
Initial Visit and Notification
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 ACS WASC criteria.