Washington State has about a dozen traditional boarding schools that educate local students and offer residential programs to some of its community. These schools are Washington State-approved and inspected by the local health jurisdiction (LHJ). The State Board of Education (SBE) is working to establish a standard whereby the accreditation processes used by recognized accrediting bodies for boarding schools are deemed “comparable” to the state’s new licensing rules for residential facilities.
Defining “Comparable” Standards
The SBE is responsible for defining “comparable” in this context. It is working to confirm that accrediting organizations (such as the Northwest Association of Independent Schools or other regional accrediting bodies) standards cover essential areas of health, safety, staffing, and student welfare. Accreditation standards that align with the state’s boarding school licensing rules will sufficiently address the state’s regulatory focus areas so that no additional inspections will be needed.
Accreditation will allow:
- Streamlined Oversight – Schools that maintain accreditation would meet licensing standards without undergoing redundant inspections.
- Enhanced Accountability – Schools meet rigorous health, safety, and welfare standards that align with educational and residential expectations.
- Consistency in Safety Standards – The accreditation framework ensures that all boarding schools, regardless of location or size, meet a high level of oversight and care for their residential students.
- Cost and Time Efficiency – Streamlined oversight reduces administrative burdens and allows schools and the state to allocate resources more effectively.
- Student Rights and Welfare – Parents have selected the private school to protect student wellness and privacy. There is meant to be “minimal intervention” from the State (RCW).
Next Steps
In the coming months, SBE will review an updated definition of “Residential Private School” that aligns with the current statute and adds criteria under which residential private schools would be exempt from DCYF licensing if their accreditation review process provides a comparable examination of student living accommodations.
