(1)(a) Accrediting bodies recognized by the state board of education shall verify that standards for approved private schools seeking accreditation through them meet or exceed the school accreditation standards pursuant to WAC 180-16-220.
(b) Prior to being considered by the state board for recognition for the specific purpose of accrediting state board approved private schools, accrediting bodies shall have their accreditation standards verified for compliance under this subsection by a private school advisory committee established by the superintendent of public instruction pursuant to RCW 28A.195.050. If verified, the committee may recommend the accrediting body to the state board for recognition.
(c) A list of recognized accrediting bodies will be maintained on the website of the state board of education. The listing shall include an additional designation for accrediting bodies that are recognized for purposes of accreditation of student living accommodations at approved residential private schools.
(d) A recognized accrediting body must notify the board of any substantive changes to their accreditation standards or procedures and provide a copy of any revised standard when they are published.
(2) Private schools must be approved by the state board of education prior to being recommended by a state board of education recognized accrediting body or process for state accreditation consideration.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 and 2023 c 441. WSR 25-13-031, s 180-55-017, filed 6/9/25, effective 7/10/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130(6), 28A.150.220(4), and 28A.305.140. WSR 06-23-012, § 180-55-017, filed 11/2/06, effective 12/3/06; WSR 05-08-015, § 180-55-017, filed 3/28/05, effective 4/28/05.]