Accreditation and Reputation

THE WESTERN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES (ACS-WASC) 

Christa McAuliffe Academy School of Arts and Sciences (CMASAS) is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS-WASC)—one of the most respected regional accrediting organizations for K-12 schools in the United States and internationally.

Regional accreditation ensures that a school meets rigorous standards for academic quality, student outcomes, governance, and continuous improvement.

CMASAS has maintained full accreditation since its founding in 2009.

• Originally accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC)

• Transitioned to ACS-WASC accreditation in 2020

• Earned a six-year accreditation renewal in Spring 2024

What Does Accreditation Mean?

Accreditation is a voluntary and rigorous review process designed to ensure that schools provide high-quality education and maintain strong accountability. To earn and maintain accreditation, school must:

• Conduct a comprehensive self-evaluation and institutional review
• Submit detailed self-study reports and documentation
• Provide evidence of high-quality learning curriculum, instruction, and student support
• Gather feedback from students, parents, faculty, and stakeholders
• Demonstrate ongoing improvement and measurable outcomes
• Participate in external evaluations by trained peer reviewers.

WASC-Accreditation Standards

ASC-WASC evaluates schools based on rigorous criteria focused on student success, institutional effectiveness, and continuous growth.

CMASAS meets these standards by:

• Aligning student learning goals with our school mission
• Creating a student-centered learning environment 
• Employing highly qualified instructors
• Offering a standards-based, mastery-focused curriculum
• Emphasizing strategic planning and college/career readiness through personalized learning
• Maintaining a safe, inclusive online community with opportunities for peer interaction
• Participating in ongoing strategic planning and improvement
• Welcoming objective evaluations from trained ACS-WASC peer reviewers

Why Accreditation Matters

Choosing an accredited school ensures that:

• Credits transfer more easily to other accredited schools

• Diplomas are widely recognized by colleges and universities

• Students receive rigorous academic preparation

• Schools maintain high standards and accountability

   

As a WASC-accredited online private school, CMASAS provides students with a respected diploma and an education recognized by institutions across the United States and around the world.