What does Accreditation mean?
Accreditation of private schools in North Carolina is voluntary, and Ridgecroft is proud to have maintained continuous accreditation since 1984. The process began in 1982 with an extensive two-year review that resulted in Ridgecroft earning its first accreditation in 1984.
Accreditation is more than a status; it’s an ongoing commitment to improvement. It means Ridgecroft meets rigorous standards for teaching and learning, ensuring that families receive true value for their tuition investment. To maintain this, our school regularly undergoes a thorough evaluation by our own faculty, parents, and trained outside educators.
Most recently, Ridgecroft completed an in-depth Cognia® Accreditation Engagement Review during the 2024-2025 school year, earning an Index of Education Quality® (IEQ) score above the Cognia network average. The review recognized Ridgecroft for its strong culture of belonging, supportive learning environment, and dedication to student success. Areas for growth were identified, too, reinforcing our mission of continuous improvement for our students and teachers.
Ridgecroft has remained accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) for over 40 years, demonstrating our commitment to quality, growth, and accountability.
About Cognia
Cognia is a global, nonprofit improvement organization dedicated to helping institutions and other education
providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and
improvement services within a framework of continuous improvement. Serving 40,000 public and private
institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries, Cognia brings a global perspective to advancing teaching and learning. Find out more at cognia.org.