Which entity is typically responsible for accrediting schools?

• A. State Board of Education
• B. State Department of Education
• C. Local Accrediting Agencies
• D. University Boards

Answer: (B)

Accrediting schools is handled by the state's education authority. The State Department of Education administers and enforces the standards that public and many private schools must meet, conducting oversight, data collection, and accountability processes to verify that schools are operating effectively.

The State Board of Education sets overall policy and standards, but the department carries out the day-to-day accreditation activities and monitoring. Local accrediting agencies are not the typical route for public K‑12 accreditation, and university boards oversee colleges and universities, not primary and secondary schools. So, the department that administers state education requirements is the best answer.