Unconventional private school network finds the right accreditation fit.
Across the United States, schools are reimagining how to prepare students for the modern world. However, many accrediting agencies find it challenging to map new instructional models onto established standards. Students in the Alpha School system, a network of private schools throughout the United States, consistently score in the top 1% nationally on MAP tests. Still, Alpha leaders believed that no accrediting agency could accept the system’s unusual approach of life skills workshops, personalized academic learning plans, and an AI-powered learning platform.
Alpha School students consistently achieve high scores on MAP tests and Advanced Placement® exams. However, if Alpha students had to transfer to a public school for any reason, their unaccredited transcripts were a hindrance. System leaders decided to pilot the Cognia Accreditation process at Alpha High in Austin, Texas. Alpha High leaders were pleasantly surprised by the Cognia Accreditation review team’s genuine interest in the school’s pedagogical model. The team also made recommendations that helped improve aspects of the school’s workflow. As a result, Alpha School leaders approved systemwide accreditation. Now as Alpha School opens more schools across the country, Cognia’s recommendations are helping the system to scale effectively. In return, Alpha School is sharing its innovative ideas and practices at the nonprofit’s conferences.