Accreditation & Recognition

Accredited, Accountable, and Trusted

Excel Education Systems (EES) operates accredited K–12 and postsecondary institutions that meet rigorous regional, national, and state standards. Our accreditations and recognitions reflect a long-standing commitment to quality, accountability, and responsible innovation in education.

Educational Quality Is Earned Through Accountability

Accreditation is not a checkbox for Excel Education Systems—it is a continuous process that holds our schools and programs to clear, external standards. We believe educational quality is strengthened through regular review, transparent expectations, and demonstrated outcomes.

Our institutions operate within recognized accreditation frameworks that validate curriculum design, instructional practices, student support systems, and organizational effectiveness. This accountability ensures our schools remain credible, transferable, and trusted by families, partners, and regulators.

The Gold Standard of Accreditation

Accreditation & Recognition

Cognia — Excel Education Systems (and its accredited schools: Excel High School and Northgate Academy) is corporately accredited by Cognia, a globally recognized nonprofit accreditation organization for primary and secondary education.

Cognia embodies the accreditation frameworks of the North Central Association CASI, Southern Association CASI, and Northwest Accreditation Commission.

Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) — Excel’s schools have earned accreditation through MSA-CESS, a well-established accrediting body focused on continuous improvement and educational quality.

Accreditation Impact

Certificates, Diplomas, and credits are widely recognized by colleges, employers, and other schools. Programs meet rigorous external academic and quality standards.

What This Means in Practice

Accreditation and formal recognition shape how Excel Education Systems designs programs, evaluates outcomes, and maintains consistency across institutions. These standards influence day-to-day operations as well as long-term planning and partnerships.

For Students and Families

Accreditation helps ensure that coursework, diplomas, and credentials are grounded in recognized academic frameworks. It provides assurance that learning experiences meet established expectations and are supported by ongoing oversight.

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Credits and diplomas backed by recognized accrediting bodies

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Programs designed to meet external academic benchmarks

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Quality assurance that supports future education and career pathways

For Partners and Institutions

Accredited systems provide a reliable foundation for collaboration, transfer, and shared accountability. Partners can engage with confidence knowing expectations, documentation, and review processes are clearly defined.

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Clear alignment with regional and national quality standards

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Transparent review cycles and documented improvement processes

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Recognized credentials that support transferability and eligibility reviews

Accreditation in Action

Recognized Across Our Institutions

Excel Education Systems maintains accreditation and formal recognition across each of its institutions. These approvals reflect how quality standards are applied in practice—at the district, school, and program levels—based on the unique role of each entity.

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Systems Accreditation

EES holds Systems Accreditaion by Cognia, the parent organization of the North Central Association CASI, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools CASI, and the Northwest Accrediting Commission

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Systems Accreditation

MSA CESS Accreditation: Excel Education Systems earned its MSA CESS Systems accreditation in 2022, valid through 2030, and is renewed every seven years. This regional and national accreditation further solidifies the excellence of our programs and ensures national and international recognition of our diplomas.

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AI Responsibility & Research Alignment

Designated under Middle States’ Responsible AI in Learning (RAIL) framework, reflecting oversight of ethical and responsible AI use

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System Accountability

Participates in Middle States Association accreditation activities supporting continuous improvement and institutional review

Excel High School

Regional Accreditation

Regionally accredited by Cognia & MSA CESS

STEM Certification

Holds Cognia STEM Certification for program quality and alignment

Competency-Based Education

Recognized with Cognia CBE Certification

NCAA Course Eligibility

Select high school courses are approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center for initial eligibility consideration

Northgate Academy

Regional Accreditation

Regionally accredited by Cognia & MSA CESS

STEM Certification

Holds Cognia STEM Certification for program quality and alignment

NCAA Course Eligibility

Select high school courses are approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center for initial eligibility consideration

Washington Technical Institute

Regional Accreditation

Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS)

Federal Recognition

Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA

State Authorization

Licensed and approved by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education

Excel High School Texas

Regional Accreditation

Regionally accredited by Cognia & MSA CESS

STEM Certification

Holds Cognia STEM Certification for program quality and alignment

Tuition-Free

Tuition-Free with the Texas State Voucher (School Choice / TEFA)

NCAA Course Eligibility

Select high school courses are approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center for initial eligibility consideration

Learn Star Academy - Adult High School

Regional Accreditation

Regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools CESS.

Fast Path Adult High School

AcceleratED lets you earn credit for what you already know through quick mastery assessments, reducing the amount of coursework required.

BBB Accredited

Like all Excel schools, Learn Star Academy is accredited by the Better Business Bureau

Learn Stage, LMS, SIS, AI Tutor, Courseware

BRYTE Tutor

Integrated AI provides 24/7 tutoring, personalized learning support, automated grading assistance, and intelligent student engagement.

Built for Today's Schools

An all-in-one learning platform featuring course delivery LMS, student information system SIS, admissions, Curriculum, communications, reporting, analytics, and compliance tools.

An All in One Solution

Designed to power K-12 schools and college programs while meeting rigorous academic and compliance standards.

Accessibility & Inclusive Design

Learn More About Our CAR Designation →

Certified Autism Resource Courseware

Excel Education Systems’ digital courseware has been recognized as a Certified Autism Resource (C.A.R.) by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This designation reflects our commitment to designing structured, accessible, and supportive online learning environments that serve neurodivergent learners and students on the autism spectrum.

Flexible, Mastery-Based Progression

Students move through coursework at their own pace, advancing based on mastery rather than time constraints. This approach supports reduced anxiety, deeper understanding, and greater learner independence.

Designed for Clarity and Consistency

Our self-paced, asynchronous course model emphasizes clear navigation, consistent layouts, and step-by-step lesson sequencing—helping learners build confidence through predictable routines and reduced cognitive load.

Built on Universal Design Principles

Excel courseware incorporates Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, including chunked content, scaffolded activities, and minimal distractions—creating a calm, accessible digital environment for diverse learning needs.