Is Seton accredited?
Yes, Seton Home Study School is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized by the United States Department of Education. Our listing in the online Database of Accredited Schools can be found by clicking here.
What does accreditation mean?
Accreditation means that Seton Home Study School has been inspected by an outside, independent agency that has determined that Seton meets accepted standards for schools. These standards include standards regarding seriousness of our course of studies, handling of academic records, accounting practices, and business practices.
Why is accreditation important?
Accreditation is important for several reasons.
First, you know that an accredited school has submitted to a detailed inspection by an objective agency. Besides this inspection, the school is required to follow accepted educational practices established by the accrediting agency. You know that the school has met standards and must continue to meet standards to maintain its accreditation. An accredited school cannot be a “fly-by-night” operation or a “diploma mill.” An accredited school is a bona fide, high quality, educational institution.
Second, it is much easier to transfer credits from an accredited school than a non-accredited school. A student who receives high school credits from Seton knows that these credits are backed by the prestige of the accrediting agency. We cannot guarantee that other schools will accept Seton credits. However, accredited schools do routinely accept credits from other accredited schools. Schools are much less likely to accept credits from non-accredited schools.
Third, accreditation is especially important when applying to college. Credits from an accredited school will likely be viewed as much more important than credits from a non-accredited school. The reason is simple: colleges know that accredited schools maintain accepted standards. Colleges know nothing about credits from a non-accredited school.
Does accreditation influence the content of your curriculum?
No, accrediting agencies do not tell schools what to teach. They merely try to ensure that schools do teach what they say they teach, and that they provide a high quality program. If an accrediting agency ever tried to change Seton’s proudly Catholic curriculum, we would immediately surrender our accreditation.
The Value of Your Enrollment
Your enrollment provides you with much more than just a box of books. It provides an accredited education, a strong support system, and a community of staff and homeschoolers who are in your corner. It provides access to academic and support counseling, grading and record keeping, and a solid Catholic curriculum that promotes strong Catholic values in each and every subject.
Catholic Materials
All of our books and materials are thoroughly Catholic, from beginning to end.