The Importance of Accreditation

 

Accreditation is awarded to educational institutions that meet the highest quality education standards. Accreditation is not a one-time event. For example, ACSI-accredited schools must devise a Prioritized Goals of Improvement Plan and implement it before the 5-year renewal period. A team of highly qualified teachers and administrators from outside schools review every aspect of the school’s operations. This review includes the curriculum, teachers, administration, school leadership, and financial viability.

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Accredited high school diplomas are offered to students who have successfully finished their education at accredited schools across America. These diplomas are becoming increasingly important as they are considered the minimum educational requirement for candidates applying for either jobs or higher education. Surveys conducted in America ascertain that people with school diplomas earn more income than those without.

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Accreditation protects schools, employers, and students. It guarantees that a particular high school is teaching its students at a nationally acceptable level.

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When students acquire diplomas from accredited high schools, they can be assured that colleges will accept them and employers recognize them. Similarly, when colleges accept students or employers hire people, they can be assured that the students or prospective employees have undergone quality training from an accredited school.

 

Why Does Accreditation Matter?

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Receiving accreditation through a well-recognized agency such as ACSI and Cognia demonstrates the school's commitment to continuous improvement. Accreditation is a 5-year process that Academy Northwest continuously participates in to ensure that our school remains aligned with our mission statement and maintains our core values and beliefs. During an accreditation cycle, the school comprehensively evaluates programs, policies, and overall educational quality. The implemented results of the accreditation process allow Academy Northwest to continue to provide a strong academic student-directed Christian education.

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Educational institutions that engage in Cognia accreditation will:

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• Encourage a growth mindset and a focus on school improvement.

• Affirm credibility and accountability within a school's local community with a recognizable credential.

• Allow for a smooth transfer of credits between other K-12 schools and, ultimately, full acceptance of credits at colleges and universities.

• Open possibilities for scholarships, military academies, and other educational opportunities.

• Provide encouragement and structure for regular evaluation of teacher qualifications and professional development.

• Promote networking and collaboration with other similar schools and educators as it uses a peer review model.

• Allow for recognition for early education programs.

 

​Students and their parents will:

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• Experience ease in transferring credits from one school to another (especially important if there is any chance your student may one day enter public high school).

• Gain greater access to federal loans, scholarships, postsecondary education, and military programs that require students to attend an accredited institution.

• Benefit from their institution’s or educational system’s commitment to raising student performance and accountability.

 

School leaders engaged in ACSI Accreditation will:

 

• Have the opportunity to enroll in diverse courses, enabling them to broaden their understanding, sharpen their skills, and remain current with advancements in both their academic disciplines and the development of a biblical worldview.

• Establish a vision, assess their current reality, implement an improvement plan, monitor progress, and evaluate results.

• Enhance the school’s best thinking with the insights and perspectives of an external review team.