Schools can choose from four options to become accredited. Regardless of the option used, to fulfill state accreditation requirements, schools must meet the elements of thoroughness detailed in Idaho Code 33-1612. Schools must also report annually how they are meeting State Accreditation Standards. Many colleges require that students who attend their schools come from accredited educational institutions. A student wishing to transfer from one school to another is assured that the credits already earned will be counted by the new school.
Accreditation directly relates to school improvement and therefore improved student achievement.
Accreditation reports are submitted annually to the State Department of Education. They are reviewed by either the Elementary or Secondary Accreditation Committees. Members of these committees are appointed by the State Board of Education after having been selected by educators and various education groups. The members represent the geographic regions of the state.