Accreditation: What does it mean for a school to be accredited?

2017-18 State Requirements for Full Accreditation:

Elementary and middle schools are Fully Accredited if the following percentage of students achieve passing SOL scores:
*English – 75 percent or higher     
*Mathematics, Science, History – 70 percent or higher

High schools are Fully Accredited if pass rates are:
•English:  75 Percent 
​*Math, Science, History:  70 percent or higher
•Attain a point value of 85 or greater based on the Graduation and Completion Index (GCI).

* Schools that earn full accreditation for three consecutive years are automatically rated as Fully Accredited for an additional three years.

NEW ACCREDITATION STANDARDS BEGINNING 2018-19

•Overall proficiency AND growth in English and Math
•Overall proficiency in Science
•Achievement gaps among student groups in Math and English
•Absenteeism
•Graduation and completion
•Dropout rate
•College, career and civic readiness

3 Performance levels
•Level One:  Meets or exceeds standard or sufficient improvement
•Level Two:  Near standard or making sufficient improvement
•Level Three:  Below Standard

Accreditation Ratings under new system:
•Accredited:  Schools with all indicators at either level 1 or 2
•Accredited with Conditions:  Schools with one or more school quality level indicators at level 3
•Accreditation Denied:  Schools that fail to fully implement required corrective actions to address Level 3 indicators.