Stay informed about the latest accreditation developments, standards changes, and verification processes for online high schools and homeschool programs.
Accreditation is a critical quality assurance process that evaluates educational institutions and programs to ensure they meet established standards. For online high schools and homeschool programs, proper accreditation ensures that the education provided meets rigorous academic standards and that diplomas and credits will be recognized by colleges, universities, employers, and other educational institutions.
This page tracks the latest developments in accreditation relevant to online and homeschool education, including policy changes, newly accredited programs, and resources to help you verify a program's accreditation status.
Cognia (formerly AdvancED) has released updated accreditation standards specifically addressing online learning environments. The new standards emphasize data security, digital citizenship, and equitable access to resources.
The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) has announced an expanded focus on K-12 online schools, with new resources and specialized reviewers for elementary and secondary education programs.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) has launched a pilot program for accrediting homeschool cooperatives and umbrella organizations that serve multiple homeschooling families.
The NCAA has revised its guidelines for accepting online and homeschool courses for student-athlete eligibility, expanding the list of approved providers and clarifying documentation requirements.
A global nonprofit that accredits primary and secondary schools. Cognia was formed through the merger of AdvancED and Measured Progress.
A regional accrediting organization recognized for its leadership in school improvement with a specific protocol for online learning institutions.
A national accreditor specialized in distance education across all levels, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
A regional accrediting body for schools in California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Basin, with specific protocols for online schools and programs.
Before enrolling in any online high school or homeschool program, it's essential to verify its accreditation status. Here's how you can do that:
Most accrediting bodies maintain searchable databases of accredited institutions.
If you can't find a school in the database, contact the accrediting agency directly to verify the school's status.
Most agencies have a verification service that can confirm whether a school is currently accredited, when its accreditation expires, and whether there are any pending actions against the institution.
State education departments maintain lists of approved schools and can provide information about whether a school's credentials are recognized in your state.
This is especially important for homeschoolers who need to ensure their program meets state requirements.
Some organizations offer fake or substandard accreditation that isn't recognized by legitimate educational authorities.
Check if the accrediting agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or your state education department.
Remember that accreditation is just one factor to consider when choosing an online program. Also evaluate curriculum quality, support services, flexibility, cost, and alignment with your educational goals and learning style.
Not all accreditation is the same. Understanding the different types can help you make informed decisions about online high school and homeschool programs:
Regional accreditation is generally considered the gold standard for educational institutions. The United States is divided into six accreditation regions, each with its own accrediting body. These include organizations like the Middle States Association and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Regional accreditation is widely recognized by colleges, universities, and employers.
National accrediting bodies evaluate institutions across the country, often focusing on specific types of education. For online schools, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) is a prominent national accreditor. While national accreditation is legitimate, some regionally accredited institutions may not accept credits from nationally accredited schools.
These accreditations focus on specific programs or departments within a school rather than the entire institution. For example, a school might have special accreditation for its STEM program or arts curriculum. For high school programs, this might include recognition from organizations like the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for student-athlete eligibility.
Some states have their own processes for approving or recognizing online schools and homeschool programs. While not the same as accreditation, state approval ensures that an educational program meets minimum state requirements. This is particularly important for homeschoolers who need to comply with state education laws.
| Type | Recognition | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional | Highest | College-bound students | Most widely accepted by colleges and universities |
| National | Strong | Career-focused programs | Some colleges may not accept credits; check in advance |
| Programmatic | Varies | Specialized education | Supplements but doesn't replace institutional accreditation |
| State Recognition | Local | Homeschool compliance | May not be recognized outside your state |
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