Accreditation

& Quality

Acellus Academy’s courseware has been examined by some of the most respected educational quality bodies in the United States — and each has reached the same conclusion: Acellus delivers a rigorous, accessible, and academically sound education to the families who trust us with their children.

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Independent Evaluations and Curricular Review

WASC Accreditation – The Gold Standard

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is a regional accrediting body that is widely regarded as one of the most trusted and respected accreditation agencies in the world. WASC accreditation is a critically important factor considered by universities, employers, and state education agencies when evaluating the legitimacy and quality of a school’s diploma.

Acellus Academy has held WASC accreditation since the 2017-2018 school year. In 2021, following a comprehensive multi-day review by a visiting committee, WASC awarded Acellus Academy its maximum six-year accreditation term, the longest term WASC issues, reserved for institutions demonstrating sustained excellence.

The WASC visiting committee report contained no concerns regarding curriculum content. The committee specifically commended Acellus Academy for its diverse student population and equitable outcomes across demographic groups.

Verify Acellus Academy’s WASC accreditation status directly: WASC Directory of Schools

Quality Matters – Rigorous Course-by-Course Review

Quality Matters is the nation’s leading peer-review organization for online and blended course design. Founded with funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, Quality Matters certification is recognized across higher education, K-12, and corporate training as a rigorous, evidence-based standard.

To earn Quality Matters certification, a course must pass review against an 8-section, 42-standard rubric covering learning objectives, assessment alignment, instructional materials, learner interaction, course technology, learner support, accessibility, and alignment with stated outcomes. The review is conducted by trained, independent peer reviewers who evaluate course content to confirm that the course meets every essential standard before certification is granted.

QM has completed over 75 Official Certification Course Reviews for Acellus.

The Quality Matters rubric explicitly evaluates content for academic rigor, accessibility for learners with disabilities, and inclusive, bias-free instruction. For additional information, see the list of Quality Matters certified courses.

NCAA Approved Courses

Acellus Academy core courses have been reviewed and approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

The NCAA governs collegiate athletics in the United States and establishes rules for competition, organizes athletic programs, and supports student-athletes. NCAA approved courses are particularly important for student-athletes who aspire to compete at the collegiate level, as it helps position them for successful admission to top colleges and universities while maintaining their athletic eligibility.

Acellus Academy’s approved courses are listed in the NCAA Eligibility Center’s publicly accessible database, enabling parents and students to verify compliance with NCAA academic standards. For detailed information on approved courses and the eligibility process, please visit the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Additional Approvals & Recognitions

MOCAP Approved

Acellus Academy is an approved course provider under the Missouri Course Access Program (MOCAP), administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. As an approved provider, Acellus Academy’s courses have been reviewed by the department and validated as meeting Missouri state curriculum standards and the State’s criteria for high-quality online courses. For additional info, see Acellus Academy’s MOCAP listing.

CollegeBoard AP Course Approval

Acellus Academy Advanced Placement (AP) courses have been audited and approved by the CollegeBoard. These courses provide online high school students the opportunity to engage in college-level coursework and potentially earn college credit. For a listing of CollegeBoard AP approved courses, see the AP Course Ledger.

Tier 1 Education
Status

As a regionally accredited school, Acellus Academy meets U.S. military enlistment education standards, allowing graduates to receive Tier I education status when enlisting in the military. Tier I education status is the highest level of recognition in U.S. Military enlistment for completion of high school.

Graduate Outcomes

Beyond independent certification, the most meaningful evaluation of Acellus comes from the parents and students who use it every day. Acellus Academy supports exceptionally talented students from across the nation and around the world. Recent graduates have earned acceptances to top-tier universities including Harvard and CalTech, as well as appointments to esteemed U.S. military academies. Others are pursuing careers in athletics, the performing arts, and public service.

Graduate Outcomes

Beyond independent certification, the most meaningful evaluation of Acellus comes from the parents and students who use it every day. Acellus Academy supports exceptionally talented students from across the nation and around the world. Recent graduates have earned acceptances to top-tier universities including Harvard and CalTech, as well as appointments to esteemed U.S. military academies. Others are pursuing careers in athletics, the performing arts, and public service.

Jay Khadder

From AP Courses to International Relations at University of California

At Acellus Academy, Jay took on demanding AP subjects in high school including European History and Statistics. Those courses sparked the academic interests that led him to the University of California, Davis, where he is now studying International Relations.

Boris Kolesnikov

Awarded $140K in College Scholarships, Bound for Medical School

As an honors student, Boris challenged himself with rigorous AP and honors-level coursework while pursuing his passion for biomedical research. His efforts paid off: he was accepted into a seven-year accelerated BA/MD program at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia. The combined undergraduate-to-MD pathway gives him an ideal foundation to merge empathetic patient care with cutting-edge research, and to make meaningful contributions to medical science.

Zanai Barnett

Basketball Athlete Earns Appointment to the US Naval Academy

Acellus gave Zanai the flexibility to excel in the classroom while competing in basketball at the national level. Her dedication on both fronts earned her ten Division I scholarship offers — and ultimately a place at the United States Naval Academy.