Accreditation of non-public schools is based on West Virginia State Board Policy 2330. This policy recognizes private schools that are accredited by a recognized third-party agency by affording equal grade placement and seamless transfer of credit of students relocating to the public setting. These schools have met rigorous standards of professional instruction, curriculum development, school environment, financial stability and student achievement.

Additionally, accredited non-public schools are eligible to be used as site placements for education students that are in their clinical phase of their teacher training (WVBE Policy 5100).

Teachers who work in accredited non-public schools, who have a state issued license, are eligible to have their license converted to permanent status even if they have taught exclusively in a non-public school (WVBE Policy 5202). Lastly, teachers who have taught at an accredited non-public school can have those years count towards their retirement calculation under the TDC or TRC retirement system if they move into the public-school setting (W.Va. Code §18-7A-17 (f)).

Registration of a non-public school means those students attending these schools, that are of compulsory attendance age, are exempt from attending public school. Provided the school meets the minimal operational requirements of state code section. Personnel in non-accredited schools are not required to have any type of professional licensure or education credentials. Schools that fall under W.Va. Code 18-28 are required to provide a curriculum which will enable students to become literate citizens and must provide standardized testing scores that are at or above the fortieth percentile. However, there are no other student achievement benchmarks or requirements for graduation.

Currently Recognized Accreditation Organizations

  1. Cognia (formerly AdvancED; North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement)
  2. Association of Christian Schools International (ASCI)
  3. American Association of Christian Schools (AACS)
  4. Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)
  5. North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist Commission on Accreditation/Adventist Accrediting Association