The foremost purpose of public education in Virginia is to provide children with a high-quality education, giving them opportunities to meet their fullest potential in life. The standards for the accreditation of public schools in Virginia are designed to ensure that an effective educational program is established and maintained in Virginia's public schools. The mission of the public education system is to educate students in the essential knowledge and skills in order that they may be equipped for citizenship, work, and an informed and successful life.
The Standards of Accreditation provide the foundation for the provision of a high-quality public education, including a system of accountability and continuous improvement. They are intended to:
Section 22.1-253.13:3A of the Code of Virginia requires the board to promulgate regulations establishing standards for accreditation, which shall include student outcome and growth measures, requirements and guidelines for instructional programs and for the integration of educational technology into such instructional programs, administrative and instructional staffing levels and positions, including staff positions for supporting educational technology, student services, auxiliary education programs such as library and media services, course and credit requirements for graduation from high school, community relations, and the philosophy, goals, and objectives of public education in Virginia.
The statutory authority for this chapter is delineated in § 22.1-19 of the Code of Virginia, which includes the requirement that the board shall provide for the accreditation of public elementary, middle, and secondary schools in accordance with regulations prescribed by it.
This chapter governs public schools operated by local school boards providing instruction to students as defined in 8VAC20-132-10. Other schools licensed under other state statutes are exempt from these requirements.
8 Va. Admin. Code § 20-132-20
Statutory Authority: §§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-253.13 of the Code of Virginia.