What Is Accreditation?

VCPE-Approved State Recognized Accreditation ensures that a private school meets established standards of educational quality recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Accreditation guarantees that student credits earned at a state-recognized accredited private school are transferable to public schools, and that teaching experience in such schools is eligible for recognition toward teacher licensure and renewal.

        Why Accreditation Matters

The Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE) is the officially recognized body responsible for accrediting private schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
VCPE is a private, nonprofit umbrella organization composed of VCPE-approved accrediting associations that evaluate and accredit private schools statewide. Schools may be recognized as accredited private schools in Virginia through the schools accreditation with one of the VCPE Approved Accrediting Associations. Stand Alone accreditation with a VCPE Approved Accrediting Association does not provide State Recognized VCPE Accreditation.

VCPE’s authority to manage this process is established by Section 22.1-19 of the Code of Virginia and further defined in the Virginia Administrative Code of Regulations (Section A).

To be recognized as an accredited private school by the Commonwealth of Virginia, a school must be accredited by a VCPE-approved association and have that accreditation formally recognized by VCPE.

Why VCPE Accreditation is Important for Students?

VCPE-recognized accreditation ensures that a student’s education meets the standards required for recognition across Virginia’s public schools and higher education institutions.

1. Seamless Transfers to Public Schools

Students transferring from a VCPE-accredited private school are eligible to enroll in a public school at grade level.
Public schools are not required to accept grade-level placement or credits from non–VCPE-accredited schools, meaning students may have to repeat a grade or take placement tests.

2. Transfer of High School Credits

VCPE accreditation guarantees that high school credits earned in private schools can transfer to public schools.
Without this recognition, students may be required to retake courses to meet state graduation requirements.

3. Eligibility for Government Employment

Many federal and state positions require applicants to show proof of graduation from a state-recognized accredited high school.
VCPE accreditation provides that essential recognition.

4. Access to Higher Education

Graduates from VCPE-accredited schools are more readily accepted into colleges and universities.
Students from non–VCPE-accredited schools may instead face additional placement testing or the requirement to earn a GED before enrolling.

              Why VCPE Accreditation is Important for Teachers?

VCPE-recognized accreditation benefits educators as well as students.

• Teachers in VCPE-recognized private schools may apply for a Virginia teaching license.

• The Virginia Department of Education requires at least one year of successful, full-time teaching experience in a VCPE-recognized private school before licensure eligibility.