What Does it Mean to be an Accredited Online High School?
When considering an online high school program, or any other educational opportunity, it’s important to make sure the school offering it is accredited. Accreditation means that a school has met high standards in several areas, such as teacher qualifications and academic rigor. Here’s a breakdown of what accreditation is and why it’s so critical to enroll in an accredited online high school.
What Is Accreditation?
To decide whether a school can provide legitimate credentials, accrediting bodies evaluate its programs and operations to determine its overall quality. Accreditation standards are established by a peer review board of educational experts. To be considered valid, schools must meet strict criteria in terms of their:
- Overall mission and goals
- Student services
- Admission requirements
- Reputation of teachers
- Educational quality
Why Is Accreditation Important?
An online high school that has been granted an official seal of approval is more likely to be recognized by employers and institutions of higher learning. Programs that have not gone through the accreditation process typically raise red flags because there is no way to know if they provide the kind of instructional quality that prepares students for higher education and the workforce. Some schools that lack legitimacy are little more than diploma mills. In exchange for your money, they’ll issue you a diploma that lacks credibility and probably won’t be accepted by a college or employer.
Which Agencies Are Responsible for Providing Accreditation?
Several organizations in the United States provide regional and national accreditation. Most employers and colleges prefer regional accreditation over national, and there is no such thing as international accreditation. Six agencies are responsible for granting regional accreditation:
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Northwest Commission of Schools and Colleges
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI)
It’s important to research a high school online before you enroll. You can check with the US Department of Education and accrediting agencies to see if the program you’re interested in offers valid credentials.
Accredited Online High School at JMHS
JMHS is regionally accredited by SACS CASI, and also recognized by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. We offer flexible, affordable online high school programs that prepare you for college and the workforce. Contact us to learn more or enroll today.
