WELS School Accreditation (WELSSA) is a process in which the school evaluates its current educational practices and seeks sound methods to build on its strengths and determine new ways to grow and strengthen the educational ministry of the school for the benefit of the students and parents to the glory of God. WELSSA operates under these three core values: continuous improvement, distinctly Lutheran, and discerning accountability.

There are 165 WELS and ELS schools and early childhood ministries currently accredited and 8 schools and early childhood ministries in candidacy, working through the accreditation process for the first time.

WELSSA is a sanctioned member of the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA).

Read more about the WELSSA accreditation process by downloading the documents on this page.  Contact [email protected] to request the handbook and standards for your ministry.

We are thrilled to welcome our newest 2026-27 accredited schools!

• • Beautiful Savior Lutheran School – Cincinnati, OH
    Cornerstone Lutheran High School – Eau Claire, WI
    Risen Savior Academy – Lakewood Ranch, FL
    St. Mark Lutheran School – Lincoln, NE St. John Lutheran School – Maribel, WI
    St. John Lutheran School – Maribel, WI
    St. John’s Lutheran School – Baraboo, WI
    St. John’s Lutheran School – Juneau, WI

Contact Us
Paul Patterson, WELSSA executive director
Abby Truss, WELSSA support specialist
[email protected], 414-256-3221

 

Accreditation Partners
National Council for Private School Accreditation
Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association
Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation
Association of Christian Teachers & Schools
YoungStar

             

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• August 25, 2026 Last Updated