WASC ACCREDITATION

WHAT IS WASC?

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is one of six regional associations, which accredit public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the United States. Regional accreditation began about 100 years ago and arose from a desire on the part of educational institutions to establish standards of quality.

Accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental process, which plays an important role in developing and maintaining the high quality of education in this country.

The Western Association is the newest of the six regional accrediting associations. It was formed in 1962 by an amalgamation of several accrediting agencies. There are three Commissions in the Association, which work with institutions at different levels.