This commission is a quasi‑official agency that investigates and rates the quality of education in all high and elementary schools in the state. It also attempts to improve school standards by emphasizing the amount of time students spend in the classroom, the qualifications of the teachers and the improvement of school plants.

The Commission is composed of officials representing the Association of: (1) Colleges (2) the Georgia High School Association (3) the State Committee of the Southern Association (4) the Department of Elementary School Principals of the Georgia Education Association (5) the State Department of Education.

The Commission was created in 1903 (Official Bulletin, 1953, p. 5) by the University of Georgia, and at first investigated only the state's high schools. In 1941, the Commission severed its connection with the University System but continued to accredit only secondary schools. Sometime in the late 1940's or early 1950's, elementary schools were added to the Commission's responsibilities.

Although the format changed somewhat over the years with the various administrative changes, a typical volume contains: (1) personnel of the Commission (2) rules of accreditation (3) constitution of the Commission (4) high school standards (5) program of studies (6) standards for elementary schools (7) lists of accredited high schools and elementary schools in Georgia for the respective year.