The criteria are research-based guidelines of systemic school improvement that address accreditation’s central tenet: a school operates with a clear understanding of its purpose.

The criteria were developed with the assistance of numerous practicing educational leaders and theorists. The objective was to develop criteria that brought attention to concepts and factors that differentiate between effective and ineffective schools.  With its accreditation, Lake Arrowhead Christian School was objectively determined to be an effective school.

Since most formal education occurs in an institutional setting, factors that impact institutional effectiveness were considered along with curriculum, instructional strategies and assessment. The criteria have been adapted for various joint accreditation processes.

For more information about the WASC Accrediting Commission for Schools, with a regional office at 43517 Ridge Park Drive, Suite 100 Temecula, CA 92590-3615, please click here to go to their website.