It has more to do with a school's administrative processes and deployment of resources than with educational outcomes for students. Most local educators view accreditation by one of the nation's six regional accrediting bodies as a status symbol. With so many schools accredited, clearly the pressure is on all schools to fall in line.
Fear plays some role in their decision.
One of the arguments the accrediting agencies make for their stamp of approval is that without it, schools jeopardize their graduates' college prospects. We examined every department, our curriculum, our communications with parents. The self- examination was a positive and worthwhile process.