Washington’s boarding school licensing process continues to evolve. Below is a concise summary of what we know — and where clarity is still needed.
Accreditation in Lieu of DCYF Licensing
The Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) have received approval for Washington-specific boarding school accreditation addenda that may be used in lieu of licensing through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). The Adventist Accrediting Association is finalizing its addendum, with anticipated approval this spring.
If your school is accredited through one of these bodies, ensure your boarding program is included in this year’s accreditation review.
Timeline
The state’s intent is for schools to be ready for licensure around July 1 (when implementation may formally begin), with flexibility extending to the start of the fall school year if needed. Key operational details remain unclear, including the hiring of DCYF licensors.
Structural Placement
Boarding schools are currently being placed within the same DCYF division as Group Homes. WFIS has formally expressed concern about this alignment and continues to advocate for processes that recognize the distinct nature of boarding schools.
Accreditation Approval Process
Accreditation addenda are reviewed for comparability to DCYF regulations by a subcommittee of OSPI’s Private School Advisory Committee, then advanced to the full Committee and the Washington State Board of Education for final approval.
WFIS welcomes questions and appreciates updates regarding any leadership changes from boarding schools so we can continue advocating effectively on behalf of our schools.
