Understanding Accreditation: Why It Matters for Private Online High Schools

June 23, 2025

Private online high schools continue to grow in popularity. For many families, choosing the right institution can be an intimidating process. There are many factors to consider, such as curriculum, instructional model, and extracurricular activities. 

One of the most crucial factors, however, is accreditation. Finding an accredited online high school should be a top priority in the search for an online school.

What is Accreditation in Education?

Accreditation is a status obtained by accrediting agencies, assuring that the academic institution meets educational standards for post-secondary education preparation. It is the threshold by which many schools confirm an acceptable education program is being offered to students.

The accreditation status is vital, not only to confirm a standard of education, but to ensure higher education. Through an accredited online high school, students may receive an accredited high school diploma, critical for college and university acceptance. Private online high schools must obtain accreditation status in order to maintain reputation and credibility among families.

Key Accrediting Bodies for Private Online High Schools

Obtaining accreditation is a process that institutions opt for voluntarily. It requires periodic review and renewal by an accrediting organization— an ongoing, rigorous process.

Many public and private schools for grades K-12 are accredited by their state’s department of education. Another path to accreditation is with one of the six regional accrediting organizations. These are private, non-profit agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Accreditation organizations set criteria for several educational institutions and learning programs. They evaluate various aspects of the programs they analyze to confirm whether the standards are met.

U.S. and International Accreditation 

The U.S. has six main accrediting agencies.  These agencies accredit schools within the United States, and also may review schools globally.  They are:

• New England: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• Middle States: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• North Central: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (now part of Cognia)
• Southern: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (now part of Cognia)
• Western: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Northwest: Northwest Accreditation Commission (now part of Cognia)

The regional accreditation agencies under North Central, Southern, and Northwestern regions are a part of Cognia.  Internationally, prominent examples include the Council of International Schools and British Schools Overseas.  The prestigious International Baccalaureate Organization is not an accreditor in the traditional sense, but has a process for schools to become authorized to offer its curriculum.  

Accreditation at Dwight Global

Dwight Global’s accreditation with Cognia assures families of the school’s continuing journey toward excellence and mission-driven success. This status proves to be a validation of the institution’s commitment to academic achievement. It can also showcase Dwight Global’s ongoing quest to “ignite the spark of genius” in every student. 

Because Dwight Global is an accredited online high school, families can rest assured that their child’s course credits will be acknowledged at colleges and universities globally. A diploma from Dwight Global is valued at many selective schools and universities around the world.

“With accreditation, parents can gain comfort in knowing that a school excels and is committed to evolving and growing as an institution in comparison to research- and evidence-based standards,” said Dwight Global’s Head of School Louisa Childs.

Accreditation is Important for College Admissions

For students interested in pursuing college or university, accreditation is essential. At a reputable private online high school like Dwight Global, for example, the AP courses offered may be transferred credit. The only way this is possible is with accreditation status.

Accreditation is also essential for financial aid. Students of an online program seeking financial assistance for their college years can only be approved if they graduate from an accredited online high school.

Prospective students and families can verify a school’s accreditation status on the accredited online high school’s website. If not available online, it can be requested through each school’s admission office.

Click here to learn more about Dwight Global Online School.