What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a process by which an independent agency (accrediting commission) sets educational standards and a common protocol (a systematic process of school improvement) and through periodic evaluations, assures that member schools conform to them. A school wishing to become accredited, voluntarily agrees to adhere to these standards and protocols for improvement.  This assures that the school is as it represents itself, that it is trustworthy and reaches high standards.

Demand for accreditation is now worldwide. It sets those schools deserving recognition apart from others. Accreditation helps schools and colleges trust in the education of other accredited schools and helps parents, students, and the public believe in these institutions. The standards guide policies for awarding credit, granting diplomas, and other educational procedures. (Commission…, 2006)

Great Lakes Academy offers a diploma accredited through three agencies.  Commission on International and Trans-regional Accreditation (CITA), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the National Association for the Legal Support of Alternative Schools (NALSAS).

What does accreditation mean to the student?

From a students perspective, accreditation from a well-established and recognized agency means that the high school diploma will see greater acceptance from employers and post-secondary schools. It will be better respected, as it will be known that the schools policies and curriculum are overseen by an independent agency.

The graduate will have confidence that this diploma will help him to gain admission to post-secondary schools or open up employment opportunities.

References

Commission on International and Trans-regional Accreditation. (n.d.). Retrieved June 19, 2006 from http://www.citaschools.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67&Itemid=127