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Home Principals Handbook Accreditation

Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS)

The Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, formerly known as the Northwest Association of Secondary and Higher Schools, was formed as a voluntary organization in 1917 by 25 secondary schools and eight higher institutions in four northwestern states. By June 2005, this membership increased to 1,709. Presently, the organization functions in seven states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington and in several foreign countries around the world.

What does accreditation mean?

When NAAS accredits a school, it is certifying that the school has met the prescribed quantitative and qualitative standards of the Association, within the terms of the school's own stated mission and beliefs. It is also certifying that the school has undergone a self-study and validation by an outside team of peers, upon application for membership, and once every six years thereafter. Each member school must also be involved in a continual school improvement process (SIP) that must be reported as part of the school's peer-reviewed oral progress report to the Association.

Accredited schools are members of one of the nation's six regional accrediting associations. Being an accredited association member implies that the school subscribes to a process of voluntary self-regulation that is a constructive experience designed to improve the quality of that member school.

Membership Benefits

Accreditation is an important aspect of school effectiveness. Accreditation in Washington state is closely aligned to the School Improvement Process of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the School Improvement Plan (SIP) required by the State Board of Education.

In addition to the intrinsic benefits that the school receives, the public also obtains the following assurances:

• Regional Accreditation assures transferability of credits among other regionally accredited schools.
• Citizens are assured of accountability and value for their tax dollars in light of the fact that their school is meeting regional standards.
• The community in general is more attractive to prospective incoming families and businesses when it can be reported that its schools are accredited.
• Accreditation assures the public that an outgoing process of evaluation will be a permanent feature of school improvement practices.
• Through school, the public can receive information regularly on the extent to which their school is meeting standards.
• Accreditation provides general justification for public confidence in a member school. It does not affirm that the school is perfect in all aspects, but it does promise that the school has the resources, leadership and vitality needed for ongoing improvement.
• Accreditation gives evidence to its public that the school is meeting expectations and fulfilling standards that transcend local and state requirements.
• Accreditation assures that other schools, colleges and universities will accept student credits.

Questions regarding membership may be made directly to Joe Pope, NAAS executive secretary, at 800.562.6100 or accreditation@awsp.org

• NAAS Annual School Update Information

Additional Information:

• NAAS Standards
• NAAS Membership Application
• Initial Site Visit Template (PDF)
• NAAS State Committee
• Washington State School Accreditation self-study format and manual

For the information below, schools will be contacted by their consultant to schedule exact dates.

• Initial Visits Scheduled for 2007-2008 
• SIPs Scheduled for 2007-2008
• Three-Year Oral Progress Reports Scheduled
• Three-Year Oral Progress Report Procedures

NAAS Consultant Contact Information