Why Accreditation Matters When Choosing a School

June 23, 2023 byConnections Academy

5 min to read

Student studying in a green sweater typing on her laptop while taking online class at Connections Academy.

The curriculum, academic offerings, extracurricular programs, ease of learning, and connection to higher education are some of the factors you most likely consider when selecting a school for your child. But have you considered a K-12 school’s accreditation and the role it plays in your child’s education?

While you may not have considered those questions, they play an important role. To understand why, you’ll need to learn about accreditation of high schools and what an accredited school means.

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a detailed assessment provided by accrediting agencies and is a rigorous evaluation of how well a school is meeting educational standards, assuring you that your child’s education is in reliable hands. When a high school receives accreditation, it is eligible to provide an accredited high school diploma, which is beneficial for your child’s future whether they choose to go to college or jump right into the workforce.

What Does the Accreditation Process Look Like and Who Provides It?

Accreditation is a voluntary process. Institutes that opt for accreditation undergo a periodic review and renewal by an accrediting organization, as accreditation is an ongoing process.

Most public and private K-12 schools are accredited either by a state’s department of education, which requires them to meet standards set by that specific state, or one of six regional accreditation agencies, which are private, non-profit organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and CHEA.

Accrediting agencies establish criteria for numerous educational institutes and programs. They evaluate and analyze varied facets of institutes and programs to confirm if they meet those standards.

When a school is in the process of acquiring accreditation, it receives a pre-accredited status. After a school is accredited, the accrediting agencies continue to monitor the school during the accreditation period to ensure they’re meeting the accreditor’s standards. Accrediting agencies reevaluate schools to determine if they need to remain accredited or grant them a pre-accredited status.

Each region in the U.S. has its own accreditation associations and standards. The six accreditation regions and their regional institutional accrediting agencies are:

New England: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Middle States: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
North Central: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Southern: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Western: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Northwest: Northwest Accreditation Commission

The regional accreditation agencies under the North Central, Southern, and Northwestern regions are now a part of Cognia, formerly AdvancED.

Since accreditation is voluntary, some private schools choose not to get accredited. While a school without accreditation can still have a high academic threshold, it is essential to know the benefits for your child when they attend an accredited school.

Advantages of Attending an Accredited School

Now that you know what an accredited school is, take a look at some of the benefits for your child’s future education and employment:

Accredited schools are sought after because they maintain a reputation for high-quality educational standards.
It’s easy to transfer credits between other schools in the same or different state.
Your child will receive an accredited high school diploma recognized by employers and future colleges/universities.

A high school student in a yellow shirt doing research towards an accredited online school like Connections Academy.

Things to Look for When Researching K-12 Schools

Schools play an integral role in shaping your child’s academic and professional journey. They provide a space for your child to learn, grow, and explore varied facets of themselves while teaching them to thrive in a social atmosphere.

That’s why choosing the right school—be it traditional or online—is a crucial step. To make this process simple, here are some things you should include in your school research phase:

The school is currently accredited
The accrediting institute/agency is recognized by the USDE or CHEA
Teacher certifications and qualifications are up to date
The curriculum is structured to incorporate your child’s growth and future
The school’s current accreditation supports a seamless transfer process to another school in the same state or different state

What to Expect with Connections Academy

Connections Academy schools and Connections Academy-supported schools meet state-specific requirements for the states in which they operate.

Teachers at Connections Academy are well qualified to teach, guide, and prepare students to grow in an academic capacity and thrive in the world ahead. Elementary, middle, and high school teachers at Connections Academy are required to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree and a teacher’s license/certification that meets teacher training requirements set by the states in which they teach.

Explore how our online school can work for you and your child by reading our article on How Online School Helps Balance Academics and Extracurricular Activities.