Accrediting Commission for Schools, WASC

06/02/2026

✨ Early learning lays the foundation for lifelong success. ✨

WASC is proud to support Early Childhood Education programs that create safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environments for young learners.

Through WASC accreditation, ECE programs can strengthen quality and care, support smooth transitions into elementary school, build trust with families, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.

The process is designed to support reflection, growth, and alignment with recognized standards while honoring the important work educators do each day to support the whole child.

Learn more about WASC accreditation for Early Childhood Education programs:
https://acswasc.org/early-childhood-education/

06/01/2026

✨ Microschools are reimagining what learning can look like. ✨

With flexible models, personalized instruction, close-knit communities, and mission-driven approaches, microschools are creating meaningful educational experiences for students and families.

WASC is proud to support microschools through an accreditation process designed to honor each school’s unique identity while providing a clear framework for reflection, growth, and continuous improvement.

Through WASC accreditation, microschools can strengthen their programs, build credibility with families and partners, and demonstrate a commitment to quality, student learning, and long-term sustainability.

Whether your microschool is just beginning or ready to take the next step, WASC is here to support your journey.

Learn more about WASC accreditation for microschools:
https://acswasc.org/micro-schools/

05/14/2026

WASC is honored to recognize the extraordinary career and lasting impact of Dr. Marilyn George, Executive Vice President, who will officially retire on July 1, 2026.

Since joining WASC in 1987, Dr. George has helped shape accreditation and school improvement for schools across California and around the world. Her leadership, wisdom, and commitment to continuous improvement have influenced generations of educators and strengthened the work of WASC in profound ways.

As Dr. Barry R. Groves, WASC President and CEO, shared, “Dr. George’s legacy is woven into the fabric of WASC.”

Please join us in celebrating Dr. George and her decades of service, leadership, and dedication to advancing quality education.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/mwjekbud

04/16/2026

WASC was pleased to take part in this week’s meeting of the Texas Private Schools Association (TPSA) and the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC) in Austin, Texas.

A special thank you to TPSA and TEPSAC for their thoughtful leadership, dedicated service, and continued commitment to the issues shaping private education across the state. We are grateful for the opportunity to join these important conversations.

WASC’s Elizabeth Oberreiter was proud to participate in the meeting and connect with colleagues who are committed to advancing quality and continuous improvement in private education.

03/31/2026

Accreditation this year?
Your window is open.

Limited opportunities remain to begin the process in April, May, and early June for review at the June Commission meeting.

Contact Elizabeth Oberreiter at [email protected].

03/27/2026

Know a microschool that may be ready for accreditation?

WASC’s new Microschool Referral Incentive gives a referring microschool a 1-year membership fee waiver after three new eligible microschools complete the full initial accreditation process and are granted accreditation or candidacy by the Commission.

We’ve also updated our microschool fees to help keep accreditation accessible and sustainable for microschools.

Learn more at acswasc.org/micro-schools

03/26/2026

Congratulations to the 32 schools recognized by the California Department of Education as 2026 California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Schools.

This recognition highlights schools that are expanding opportunity for students through strong partnerships, equitable access, clear pathways, meaningful supports, and alignment between K–12 and higher education. According to the California Department of Education, awardees were selected based on evidence of collaboration among schools, colleges, families, community members, and industry partners, along with strong student supports and outcomes.

Dual enrollment can be a powerful bridge to college and career readiness, helping students explore their interests, earn credit, and begin shaping their futures while still in high school. We celebrate these schools for leading this important work and creating more pathways for student success.

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announces 2026 California Exemplary Dual Enrollment schools.

03/20/2026

WASC supports emerging and innovative learning models through a process grounded in quality, reflection, and continuous improvement.

If you’re building something different, we’re ready to partner with you!

Contact Elizabeth Oberreiter ([email protected]) and Brian Jensen ([email protected]) more information.

03/13/2026

WASC proudly congratulates the 408 middle schools and high schools recognized as 2026 California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education. This recognition honors exemplary student outcomes and celebrates school communities that are making a meaningful difference for students every day.

We commend the educators, leaders, staff, students, and families behind this achievement. Your commitment to excellence, equity, and continuous improvement is helping create stronger futures for learners across California.

Congratulations to each of this year’s honorees on this outstanding accomplishment!

CDE Press Release:

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announces 2026 California Distinguished Schools.

02/25/2026

Elizabeth Oberreiter attended and met with several microschool organizations at the 2026 Western Hybrid and Microschools Forum, which returned for its second year on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Redondo Beach, CA.

The forum brought together school founders, educational leaders, and innovators who are launching new schools, refining existing models, and exploring new learning environments. The gathering provided space for connection, professional dialogue, and practical insight for the growing microschool community on the West Coast.

Pictured with Elizabeth is Lizette Valles, M.Ed.,Founder of Microschool & Holistic Educational Services Center, Co-Founder of the California Microschool Collective, and Healing-Centered Community Builder.