Accreditation
Accreditation Texas Families Can Trust
Excel High School Texas is fully accredited at the state, regional, and national level. From TEPSAC in Texas to Cognia's prestigious School of Distinction designation, our credentials mean your diploma opens doors — at Texas colleges, with employers, in the military, and on the field.
Our Accreditations
A Diploma Backed by Three Major Accrediting Bodies
Texas students enroll in Excel knowing their education is independently verified by the leading accreditors in private K–12 education — at the state, regional, and national level.
Cognia — School of Distinction
Excel High School holds a 7-year Cognia accreditation valid through 2032 and was named a Cognia School of Distinction in 2026 — an honor reserved for institutions that exceed the rigorous standards Cognia uses to evaluate more than 34,000 schools worldwide. Our Texas students learn under the same accredited programs that earned this national recognition.
TEPSAC — Texas Private School Accreditation Commission
Excel High School is accredited by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC) for grades 6–12. TEPSAC operates in affiliation with the Texas Education Agency, which means our Texas students can transfer credits to and from Texas public schools and our teacher service is recognized for salary increment purposes.
Middle States Association — MSA-CESS
We are also accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), valid through 2029. This regional accreditation, layered on top of our Cognia standing, gives our diploma weight not only across Texas but throughout the United States and internationally.
Specialized Certifications
STEM, Competency-Based, and NCAA Approved
Beyond core accreditation, Excel has earned specialized certifications that benefit Texas students in measurable, real-world ways.
Cognia STEM Certification
Our STEM-certified curriculum gives Texas students hands-on, integrated learning across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — preparing them for in-demand college majors and careers in the Texas economy.
Cognia CBE Certification
Excel is one of the few online schools to hold Cognia's Competency-Based Education (CBE) certification, allowing students to advance by demonstrating mastery rather than seat time. It's a powerful fit for motivated Texas middle and high school students who want to move at their own pace.
NCAA Course Approval
Our core academic courses are approved by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Texas student-athletes can use Excel coursework to establish and maintain eligibility for Division I and II college athletics without leaving home.
Why It Matters in Texas
What Accreditation Means for You
For Texas families, accreditation is more than a stamp on a certificate. It is the practical reason your transcripts will be accepted when transferring to or from a Texas public school, the reason your diploma will be honored by Texas A&M, UT, Texas State, and the broader TACC system, and the reason recruiters from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard will recognize your education without question.
Excel has been continuously accredited for more than two decades, with every renewal cycle reviewed by independent education experts. When you enroll with Excel High School Texas, you're choosing a school that has been measured against the highest standards — and met them, year after year.
- Credits transfer to and from Texas public and private schools (TEPSAC)
- Recognized by Texas colleges, universities, and community colleges
- Accepted by all branches of the U.S. military
- NCAA-approved core courses for Texas student-athletes
- Registered with the College Board and ACT (CEEB code 240707)
- Diploma honored by employers across Texas and nationwide
Where Your Diploma Takes You
Built for Every Texas Pathway
College Ready
Accepted at Texas public universities, community colleges, and private institutions across the Lone Star State and beyond.
Military Approved
All branches of the U.S. military recognize the Excel diploma for enlistment under the Tier 1 standard.
Athlete Eligible
NCAA-approved core courses keep Texas student-athletes on track for Division I and II competition.
Questions about credit transfer or college acceptance?
Our Texas admissions team can walk you through how Excel's accreditation applies to your school, district, college plans, or military goals.