One pitfall that some students fall into when pursuing their education is attending a school that isn’t accredited. This happens either because students don’t understand the importance of accreditation or aren’t sure how to check a school’s credentials. Accreditation means that a reputable, outside authority has verified that a school meets certain standards.
Attending a high school online that hasn’t been approved by a valid accrediting organization can be incredibly problematic. Students who are under 16 are required by law to be in school. Since the government typically doesn’t recognize unaccredited schools, attending one doesn’t count as being enrolled. Transcripts from such schools usually aren’t recognized by employers, other high schools, and colleges. Attending an accredited online high school, on the other hand, can open doors to career opportunities and higher education. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your program is legit.
Know Where to Look
Schools usually list their accreditation information on their websites, but this may not be enough to guarantee the validity of their credentials. Diploma mills– schools that issue credentials in exchange for cash– typically claim to be accredited by organizations that sound legitimate, but actually don’t exist or have such a poor reputation that their seal of approval doesn’t bear much weight. It’s a good idea to check with the US Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to make sure the program is legitimate.
Look for Regional Accreditation
Because it’s generally considered more rigorous, regional accreditation is usually more readily accepted than national accreditation by employers and colleges. The US government and CHEA recognize a small number of national accrediting organizations, and 7 regional accreditations. Some schools boast international accreditation, but essentially, there is no such thing, so consider it a red flag.
Check the School’s Accreditation History
It’s wise to research the accreditation history of an online high school as well (if it’s available). When schools repeatedly lose their accreditation, it could suggest a pattern of mismanagement or inconsistent program quality. You may want to choose an accredited online high school with a better track record to ensure you’re getting a quality education that employers and colleges will recognize.
Accredited Online High School Programs at JMHS
JMHS is regionally accredited and offers several online high school programs for traditional and adult learners. Ready to hit the books? Contact us to learn more or enroll now.
