Accreditation Process

Frequently Asked Questions

As a nationally recognized accrediting body, APPLE is here to help your school achieve excellence. We support you on your accreditation journey every step of the way.

The APPLE Accreditation Process

The goal of APPLE Accreditation is to increase the quality in early learning programs through self-evaluation, self-improvement, and verification of quality standards.

For Florida Schools

Achieving APPLE Accreditation in Florida ensures your center meets the Gold Seal Quality Care Program requirements. This comprehensive process includes:

FACCM Membership – Your first step toward accreditation.
Application Submission – Choose between Standard or Expedited timelines (details below).
Portfolio Preparation – Document your center's compliance with APPLE standards.
Verification Visit – Conducted virtually or onsite.
APPLE Commission Approval – Final review and issuance of your accreditation certificate.

For Schools Located Outside of Florida

APPLE Accreditation is approved by the National Council of Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), making it a trusted standard for K-12 schools across the U.S. The steps include:

Membership & Application – Begin with the APPLE Out-of-State Accreditation Application.
Portfolio Creation – Showcase your compliance with APPLE and NCPSA standards.
Verification Visit & Review – Includes an onsite visit and APPLE Commission approval.
Three-Year Accreditation – Initial accreditation lasts three years, followed by five-year reaccreditation cycles.

Choosing the Right Accreditation Timeline for Your Program

Standard Timeline: A Comprehensive and Cost-Effective Option

The Standard Timeline is the most common choice for centers, offering flexibility and affordability for programs without urgent deadlines. Ideal for:

New Programs: Centers without recent experience in the accreditation process.
First-Time Applicants: Perfect for schools navigating accreditation for the first time.
Start-Up Centers: Programs that haven’t been in operation for over a year.
Most Centers: Especially those that do not have pressing deadlines or time-sensitive needs.

Why Choose Standard?
This timeline provides ample time to prepare your portfolio, implement best practices, and build strong operational systems. It is also the most cost-effective option, making it a popular choice for centers beginning their accreditation journey.

Expedited Timeline: For Experienced and Time-Sensitive Programs

Tailored for programs ready to fast-track their accreditation, the Expedited Timeline is best for:

Experienced Management: Centers led by teams familiar with accreditation processes.
Accredited Programs Switching to APPLE: Schools currently accredited by another body that want to transition seamlessly.
Time-Sensitive Cases: Required for applications involving changes in ownership, location, or accrediting body.

Why Choose Expedited?
With shorter turnaround times, this option is perfect for schools that need to meet urgent deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.

To discuss the fee schedule that best applies to your school, please contact Henry McCorkle, Vice President of Membership and Marketing, via email hmccorkle@faccm.org or phone (561) 446-3051.