How Archbishop Borders School Became Accredited…

-from Parent Brochure 2206  Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools

Self-Study

The Commission believes students benefit from being in a school that thoroughly knows itself.

The first step is a year-long, in-depth, analytical self-study that begins with defining a philosophy of education and a description of the school community.  This followed by an appraisal of the school’s offerings and a self-evaluation of the organization, personnel, facilities, and materials of instruction.

Through the self-study, the school discovers if it has what is needed to fulfill the promises offered by its philosophy.  It also acquires the self-knowledge needed to plan with confidence.

Objective Evaluation

The commission believes students benefit when their school undergoes an evaluation based on accreditation standards.

Having completed a successful self-study, the school is visited by a team of recognized educators named by the Commission.

School Improvement Plan

The Commission believes students benefit from being in a school that constantly strives for improvement.

Accreditation

The Commission believes students benefit if their school continues to be actively involved with other high quality schools both to improve themselves and to participate in the national movement to improve education.

An Accredited School Has Met Standards For…

• defining appropriate educational goals and providing educational programs to achieve them;
• maintaining a qualified faculty and an effective school organization;
• assessing outcomes of school experiences and controlling the quality of educational programs;
• responding to concerns of parents and needs of the school community;
• providing for the continuity of its programs and planning for the future; and,
• describing with accuracy the content of its services and programs.

Characteristics Of An Accredited School….

The accredited school:

• is devoted to a mission.  It cares enough about what it does to seek validation by a recognized accreditation authority
• knows itself.  The school operates from an examined vision of service to students, family, and community.
• keeps its promises.   An accredited school promises what it can deliver.
• accepts objective evaluation.  Outside evaluators who have no prior involvement with the school or its sponsoring authority provice periodic evaluation.
• is self-correcting.  An accredited school demonstrates the capacity to control its own quality.
• is student-oriented.  Its philosophy of education expresses what it does for the whole student.
• plans for its future.  An accredited school continuously plans for higher levels of quality.
• examines performance.  Accredited schools regularly obtain and analyze objective evidence on student achievement and growth.
• participates in the responsibilities of the academic profession.  Accredited schools support the activities of evaluation and accreditation through the peer review process.
• is recognized.  Schools accredited by the Commission are listed as accredited schools in registries available throughout the world

Archbishop Borders School received accreditation May 1, 2008 – May 1, 2015

Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools
http://ces-msa.org

E-mail: principal@abbschool.com