Western Association of Schools and Colleges
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges provided accreditation of public and private universities, colleges, secondary and elementary schools in California and Hawaii, the territories of Guam, American Samoa and Northern Marianas Islands, in addition to the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, the Pacific Rim, Peru, Czech Republic, Armenia, and East Asia.
Until 2012, WASC was a single organization with three units. In 2012, it separated into three organizations that share the WASC acronym:
- The Accrediting Commission for Schools
- The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
- The '''Senior College and University Commission'''
Accrediting Commission for Schools
The Accrediting Commission for Schools accredits schools below the college level. Included are elementary, junior high, middle, high and adult schools, whether public, private, or church-related. ACS WASC also accredits not-for-profit, non-degree granting postsecondary institutions.Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges evaluates and accredits public and private postsecondary institutions that offer two-year education programs and award the associate degree.The ACCJC's mission is to help member institutions "to advance educational quality and student learning and achievement. This collaboration fosters institutional excellence and continuous improvement through innovation, self-analysis, peer review, and application of standards."