How Do I Check if an Online High School is Accredited?
Choosing the right online high school is an important decision for students and parents. One of the first things you should check before enrolling is whether the school is accredited. Accreditation ensures that the school meets certain educational standards and that the diploma or credits you earn will be recognized by colleges, universities, and employers.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to check if an online high school is accredited and why it matters.
1. Understand What Accreditation Means
Accreditation is a process in which an independent organization evaluates a school’s curriculum, teachers, and academic policies. An accredited online high school has passed a rigorous review process and meets recognized educational standards.
There are two main types of accreditation:
Regional Accreditation – Considered the highest standard in the U.S., recognized by most colleges and universities.
National Accreditation – Still legitimate but may have different acceptance rates for credit transfers.
2. Check the School’s Website
A legitimate online high school will clearly state its accreditation on its website. Look for an “Accreditation” page or mention of accrediting bodies. Schools that are proud of their accreditation usually display the accrediting agency’s name and logo.
3. Verify with the Accrediting Agency
Do not rely solely on the school’s claim. Visit the official website of the accrediting organization to confirm that the online high school is actually listed. Examples of recognized agencies include:
Cognia
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
AdvancED
4. Check the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA Databases
The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) provide searchable databases where you can verify if an online high school is accredited. This step is important because some fake schools create their own “accrediting bodies” that have no real authority.
5. Look for College and Employer Recognition
If you plan to use your diploma for higher education, ask colleges if they recognize the online high school you are considering. A school that is truly accredited should have graduates accepted into reputable universities and recognized by employers.
Why Accreditation Matters
Choosing an accredited online high school protects your investment of time and money. Without accreditation, your diploma may not be accepted by colleges or employers, and transferring credits could be difficult or impossible.