In a move poised to reshape quality assurance in virtual education, the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), and the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance (VLLA) have announced a new strategic partnership to streamline and strengthen accreditation for online schools and programs.
As online education becomes a permanent fixture in K-12 and higher education, questions around quality, accountability, and continuous improvement have grown. This new collaboration aims to address those concerns head-on.
The partnership leverages ACS WASC’s decades of experience in rigorous school accreditation and VLLA’s AccredVEd initiative—a new certification framework grounded in the National Standards for Quality Online Programs. The result is a joint accreditation process designed specifically for virtual programs, bringing long-needed clarity, consistency, and support to the rapidly evolving online learning landscape.
"In an era where online education is increasingly pivotal, our partnership with VLLA represents a significant step toward ensuring that virtual learning environments uphold the highest standards of excellence," said Dr. Barry Groves, president of ACS WASC. "Together, we are committed to fostering continuous improvement and innovation in online education."
Key elements of the partnership include:
- A joint accreditation process tailored for the virtual learning environment.
- A shared commitment to research, innovation, and policy development in online education.
- Integration of AccredVEd with ACS WASC’s trusted accreditation system, allowing schools to demonstrate excellence with a process rooted in both virtual and traditional best practices.
“Online education is no longer the future, it’s the now, and there’s no roadmap for quality in virtual education without collaboration,” said John Ashworth, president of VLLA. “This partnership bridges the gap between innovation and accountability, giving online programs the guidance they need—and the recognition they deserve.”
With this partnership, ACS WASC and VLLA aim to build a nationwide standard for excellence in virtual education—helping schools not only meet expectations but exceed them.
To learn more about the partnership and the AccredVEd initiative, visit www.acswasc.org and www.accredved.org.
About ACS WASC:
The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), is a world-renowned accrediting association and one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the United States. ACS WASC accredits elementary and secondary schools, adult schools, and supplementary education programs, ensuring that they meet rigorous standards of educational quality and effectiveness.
About Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance (VLLA):
The Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing online learning. Its members represent supplemental virtual programs across the United States, including state virtual schools and online learning consortia. Through collaboration and leadership, VLLA works to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of virtual education.
