Bounding Toward Hope: Dublin Resident and DCA Alum Pens New Book
February 6, 2026
Exceeding Expectations Through Accreditation and What It Means for DCA
Dublin Christian Academy strives to maintain a high standard of excellence in everything it does. One significant way we can fulfill this goal is by obtaining and maintaining national accreditation.
We want to share with you, our readers, why accreditation is important and how it benefits everyone involved in our ministry of education.
What Does It Mean to Be “Accredited”?
Before we get into the details of accreditation, let’s first define what accreditation is. Accreditation is the recognition that a school meets a higher set of standards—beyond basic requirements. These standards are established by approved accrediting agencies.
So what separates accreditation from state certification? Here in New Hampshire, DCA is recognized as an approved, non-public school that has met state requirements for non-public schools since its formation.
Above and beyond that, the accreditation awarded by the American Association of Christian Schools or AACS (from which DCA is accredited) takes those state requirements and elevates them to a higher level of excellence. The AACS is an educational agency, not only approved by the NH Department of Education but also by the US Department of Education.
Lastly, the AACS is also approved by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which allows us to admit international students.
The accreditation standards set forth by the AACS can be found here.
The Benefits of Accreditation for Students and Families
Attending an accredited private school offers several advantages for students—not only during their education but after their graduation as well.
First and foremost, meeting the standards of accreditation makes DCA a better school. Our teachers have to meet stringent teaching credential standards and provide high-quality instruction. These criteria shape the curriculum and student services we provide, as well as demand great accountability and transparency in our financial reporting.
When seeking college admissions, scholarships, or grants, it’s often necessary to present transcripts from a high school that has received accreditation. It validates the higher standards met by our school and can be a critical factor for college institutions that are evaluating applications.
Peer review requirements serve a dual purpose. They enable us to enhance and maintain accountability for our programs while providing DCA with opportunities to engage in the review of other schools. This helps us share our expertise and the successful practices we have developed.
What You Can Expect From DCA
Accreditation from the AACS must be reviewed every five years. We initially received our accreditation in 2018, and in 2023, we succeeded in completing our first renewal. The process of acquiring accreditation is not simply a formality, but an evaluation that involves the entire DCA faculty and staff.
As a team, we start by self-evaluating each component of what is known as the 12 standards. These include our philosophy and mission, governance structure, school finances, and the educational program.
Acquiring accreditation, however, goes beyond self-assessment. A team of five members ranging from administrators of other schools and AACS officials spend three days at DCA reviewing our reports, doing interviews, and making their own observations. At the end of their review last year, a recommendation was made for DCA to receive reaccreditation.
As we await the next review in 2028, we commit ourselves to continuous improvement in the interim—updating our curriculum and annually reporting on faculty certifications and strategic improvements—demonstrating that we have made improvements in areas identified by our team and by AACS.
Committing to Accreditation: The Right Thing to Do
Along with the many hurdles and strenuous reviews needed to keep DCA accredited, it is important to note that accreditation is not a requirement to keep our doors open. This is a voluntary commitment that we make because we believe our students and families deserve the very best.
Students at DCA receive not only a Christian education grounded in biblical principles but a high-level, high-quality one at that.
If you have any further questions regarding the accreditation process or any other questions about Dublin Christian Academy, feel free to contact us.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” 2 Corinthians 3:23-24 (NKJV)
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