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Accreditation

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Accreditation

The only dual-accredited Korean language institution in the United States.

Korean American Center is the only Korean language institution in the U.S. accredited by WASC — the accreditor schools and universities across the West rely on — and the only one Cognia Accredited with Merit. Your Korean study here meets the same standards as top schools across the United States.

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Fully Accredited by WASC, Accrediting Commission for Schools
Cognia Accredited with Merit seal
Cognia honors, 2026–2027 Accredited with Merit

The only Korean language institution in the U.S. that is:

  • Dual-accredited WASC + Cognia
  • WASC accredited Accrediting Commission for Schools
  • Cognia Accredited with Merit 2026–2027 Accreditation with Honors

WASC Accreditation

A National First

Korean American Center is the first — and the only — Korean language institution in the United States accredited by WASC.

Korean American Center teachers and staff holding a ‘Fully Accredited by WASC’ banner
Our team celebrates full accreditation by WASC’s Accrediting Commission for Schools.
Fully Accredited by WASC, Accrediting Commission for Schools

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits the public school districts, private K-12 schools and universities that families in California and across the West already know. Its Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS WASC) reviews schools like ours for academic rigor, instructional quality and organizational integrity.

The only one in the U.S.

No other Korean language institution in the United States holds WASC accreditation.

Same pedigree as local schools

The same accreditation held by public districts, private K-12 schools and universities.

Recognized for credit

Makes it easier for families to request foreign language credit from their school.

Cognia Accreditation with Merit

In rare company

Cognia accredits schools and programs across the U.S. and around the world. For 2026–2027 it introduced honors that go beyond a simple “accredited” label — recognizing institutions whose performance stands out against its rigorous standards and its Index of Education Quality® (IEQ®).

Korean American Center is one of only 13 institutions named Accredited with Merit — and the only Korean language institution to earn it.

The seal carries Cognia’s regional accreditations: NCA CASI (North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement), NWAC (Northwest Accreditation Commission) and SACS CASI (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement).

See Cognia’s 2026–2027 honors list
Cognia Accredited with Merit seal — NCA CASI, NWAC, SACS CASI
13 institutions named Accredited with Merit for 2026–2027
Korean American Center staff holding banners reading ‘In Recognition of Leadership in Education’ with the Cognia Accredited with Merit seal
Our teachers and staff celebrate Cognia Accreditation with Merit — “In Recognition of Leadership in Education.”

Why it matters

Accreditation matters when it comes to getting credit and recognition for your Korean language study

Accreditation means an independent, recognized body has reviewed our curriculum, teachers and operations and confirmed they meet the same standards expected of schools and universities. That’s what lets schools, colleges and scholarship committees trust the hours and grades your student earns with us.

Families invest more than time and energy — they’re working toward real academic goals. In many U.S. school districts, students can receive foreign language credit for courses completed through an accredited program like ours. That’s especially valuable when a student’s school doesn’t offer Korean.

High school classes for credit

Accredited status makes it easier for families to request credit recognition.

Courses can help fulfill high school graduation or college admissions requirements.

A strong, documented track record of student success.

Transcripts and instructional hours aligned with educational standards.

Transferable skills & proof of rigor

Verified records that travel with you

Accreditation lets us issue verified records of completion and learning progress for school portfolios, homeschool records and scholarship applications. It’s especially important for:

Charter & homeschool

Students who need third-party verification of their language study.

Public school

Students applying to honors programs or language immersion pathways.

Global-bound

Students pursuing international opportunities, language internships or study abroad.

Whether your child dreams of diplomacy, K-culture industries, tech, education or international business, validated language study shows discipline, cultural literacy and long-term commitment. Accreditation turns effort into recognized achievement.

Transferable skills & proof of rigor

Verified records that travel with you

Accreditation lets us issue verified records of completion and learning progress for school portfolios, homeschool records and scholarship applications. It’s especially important for:

Charter & homeschool

Students who need third-party verification of their language study.

Public school

Students applying to honors programs or language immersion pathways.

Global-bound

Students pursuing international opportunities, language internships or study abroad.

Whether your child dreams of diplomacy, K-culture industries, tech, education or international business, validated language study shows discipline, cultural literacy and long-term commitment. Accreditation turns effort into recognized achievement.

Korean American Center

Learn Korean. Experience Culture. Connect with Community. From our roots in Orange County, California to learners everywhere, our accredited Korean language and culture programs bring expert teaching and cultural connection online and in person.

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