School accreditation is an important topic. Understanding what this process means and how it occurs will improve your ability to assess which schools are worth your consideration. In this post, we’ll review school accreditation and discuss it.
What is School Accreditation?
When a school is accredited, it means that it has been evaluated by an outside agency and found to meet certain standards. These standards are related to the quality of education and resources at the school, as well as its overall operations and management. Accreditation is not required by law, but it can affect whether students are eligible for certain programs or grants.
How Do Schools Become Accredited?
Accreditation is voluntary and schools must apply for accreditation from a recognized accrediting agency. The accrediting process begins with the school forming an internal committee that assesses its own strengths and weaknesses according to predetermined standards. This is then followed by an external review of the school’s operations, programs, and curricula by members of the accrediting agency. After review, the agency issues a report that documents any issues or concerns it has found. The school must then address and resolve these issues in order to become accredited.
What Are the Benefits of Accreditation?
Accreditation helps to ensure that a school provides its students with a quality education, as well as access to resources and opportunities they may not otherwise have. Accreditation also makes it easier for students to transfer credits between schools, as most accredited schools will accept credits earned at other accredited institutions.
What Are the Different Types of Accreditation?
Accreditation can be applied to an entire school or institution, as well as individual programs within a school. There are two main types of accreditation: regional accreditation and national (or programmatic) accreditation.
Regional Accreditation
This type of accreditation is the most widely recognized type, and it typically applies to entire universities or colleges. Examples of regional accreditation agencies include the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
National Accreditation
This type of accreditation applies to individual programs or schools that meet standards set by a national accrediting agency. Examples of national accreditation include the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), is an organization in the United States that administers intercollegiate athletics.
International Accreditation
A quality international school will be accredited by a globally recognized accrediting body, such as Cognia. Depending on their region and curriculum, international schools are usually accredited by one or more associations. Each year, Cognia and other such agencies identify schools and systems that best exemplify excellence in education and stand out in their service to learners, based on the results of each of their rigorous accreditation processes.
How Can Schools Lose Accreditation?
Schools can lose accreditation if they fail to meet the standards set by the accrediting agency or if they do not address any issues highlighted in the agency’s report. Schools that are found to be engaging in fraudulent activities or providing false information can also lose their accreditation. Additionally, schools may face sanctions if they fail to comply with regulations related to financial aid or student safety.
Sora Schools is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Cognia & the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) meaning that it meets or exceeds the standards set by the organizations. Sora’s commitment to quality education is partly reflected in its accreditation status.