Skip Navigation

Accreditation Overview


Accreditation is a third-party peer review process for a school’s programs and policies to see if it meets certain criteria, generally set by an outside agency. When a school is found to meet the minimum criteria, it is granted accreditation. This process is usually very comprehensive and includes validating the school’s claims in depth for accuracy and to protect the consumer. The agency granting accreditation should be recognized by the State and the U.S. Department of Education to ensure acceptance.

Why Accreditation is Important


Accreditation is meant to protect students, schools, and employers and ensure academic quality. It ensures that a school is teaching its students at a State and nationally acceptable level and provides programs that are found to have value and substance. Accreditation also guarantees the schools employs certified instructors that are qualified to teach the appropriate subject matter.

When a student graduates from a school accredited by the right agency, he/she can be assured that it will be accepted by all employers, colleges, universities and schools, government agencies, and the military. 

Heritage Christian Academy is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), Accreditation Commission of the Texas Association of Baptist Schools (ACTABS), and AdvancED. HCA is recognized by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission, and is therefore also recognized by the State of Texas Education Agency (TEA) and State Commissioner of Education, as an accredited school with all privileges and responsibilities afforded to it. Further, HCA is a proud member of the Texas Private Schools Association and is currently applying for membership with the prestigious, Council on Educational Standards & Accountability.

Our Accreditations


In pursuit of unprecedented excellence for God’s glory, Heritage Christian Academy has already achieved and works continually toward exceeding all accreditation and external standards of the following accrediting agencies.

 

 

 

A key part of the Association of Christian Schools International's (ACSI) mission is to strengthen schools, and we do that by offering a variety of programs. You'll find links to information about each here, along with details concerning our customized services for early education and higher education programs. 

ACSI Website


HCA’s accreditation through Cognia is grounded in rigorous research-based standards and evidence-based criteria, looking at the whole school—from policies to learning conditions and cultural context—to determine how well the parts work together to meet the needs of every student. Cognia Performance Standards are at the heart of continuous improvement and accreditation. They define the characteristics of a good educational institution and provide guidelines for efforts that will energetically and visibly grow HCA’s students, teachers, and school leaders.

Cognia Website



 

 

 

 

The Accreditation Commission of the Texas Association of Baptist Schools (ACTABS) is recognized by the Texas Private School Accrediting Commission (TEPSAC). As such, credits from these schools are fully recognized by colleges and schools.

ACTABS Website


 

 

The Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC) helps ensure quality in private schools by monitoring and approving organizations that accredit the various non-public elementary and secondary educational institutions in the state of Texas.

Since 1986, the Texas Education Agency, through the Commissioner of Education, has recognized the accreditation responsibilities of TEPSAC and its affiliated non-public schools and associations. Subsequent to the establishment of TEPSAC in 1989, direct accreditation of non-public schools by the Agency was phased out and discontinued.

The relationship of TEPSAC with the State Commissioner of Education allows for the following activities related to accredited non-public schools:

  • Transferability of student credits earned in accredited non-public schools to Texas public schools
  • Recognition of teacher service in accredited non-public schools for salary increment purposes in Texas public schools
  • TEPSAC meetings held biannually with Agency liaisons to ensure the ongoing integrity and quality of the process


TEPSAC Website


 

 

 

 

Texas Private Schools Association works to ensure that:

  • Private schools retain autonomy from undue government control.
  • Private schools have a collective voice in educational policy.
  • Relevant information and strategic resources are regularly communicated and available to member schools.
  • The public good of private schools is recognized.
  • All private schools, teachers, and students are treated equitably. 

 

TPSA Website