Accreditation:
National and Worldwide Recognition
Cary Christian School, NC
Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
In 2023, ACCS and the Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) finalized a cooperative agreement allowing ACCS schools the option to seek co-accreditation with both associations simultaneously. In these cases, schools use the ACCS standards, and ACCS selects the visit committee members.
MSA is recognized in nearly all states that require accreditation, which may prove helpful to graduates of ACCS schools seeking admission to particular colleges and universities.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
In 2024, ACCS and the Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS) branch of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) finalized a cooperative agreement similar to the agreement between ACCS and MSA. This option may be of particular interest to schools in California and the West who want to ensure graduates are eligible for admission to the UC system of universities.
National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA)
In 2023, the ACCS was recognized by the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA). ACCS-accredited schools also receive recognition by NCPSA and are listed in the NCPSA directory.
ACCS Accreditation operates in all 50 states, but only a few states allow or require private recognition of accreditors. ACCS Accreditation is specifically recognized in states that have private entities for private school accreditation, including those listed above.
If your state is not listed here, please check with ACCS to ask if gaining recognition is possible. As we work toward increased recognition for ACCS accreditation, we must protect our schools’ independence to avoid subjecting schools to state graduation requirements, teacher certification standards, and increasingly, “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” standards.
ACCS accreditation is permitted in all states in which we operate. However, the following state-dependent limitations may be a relevant consideration for parents in a few states:
- Transferring students from ACCS schools into public K-12 schools may be more difficult in some cases.
- Sports leagues and extra-curriculars may be more limited for ACCS accredited schools.
- College scholarships which require a state-certified diploma may be impacted. College admission is generally not affected, but may be in rare cases. Several colleges offer exclusive ACCS scholarships and many others specifically seek ACCS graduates.
Why is independence so important? We encourage you to read our statement on independent accreditation.
States where ACCS has recognition for school choice funding: