St. Andrew’s is accredited by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES), an organization serving the needs of Episcopal schools in a six-state region. Accreditation must be renewed every ten years, and this fall marked the School’s 10 year renewal point.
Preparations for the process and the accreditation visit began early in 2009 with an extensive self-study that included teachers, administrative staff, board members, parents, and community representatives. In late summer, the focus shifted from completion of the self-study to planning for the accreditation visit.
On October 4th, a team of individuals from member schools and the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools arrived in Amarillo. On Sunday night, the guests had an opportunity to meet staff and board members at a lovely reception hosted by the Parents’ Auxiliary. Then for the next three days, the accreditation team met with students, parents, teachers, and a host of other St. Andrew’s community members.
“I believe that the visit went extremely well,” said Headmaster Ferguson. “Preparing St. Andrew’s for an accreditation visit was definitely a team effort and we have much to be proud of, but at the end of the day the School speaks for itself. Sure we touched up some paint and added a couple of new flowers in the planters – but the fundamentals of our School are solid. The accreditation team saw the same engaged and respectful students, the same extraordinary teachers, and the same involved and committed parent community that exists here every day of the year.”
The official report, which will include commendations, suggestions and recommendations, will not be complete until sometime in November, but preliminary feedback is that the team was extremely impressed with St. Andrew’s staff, students, and parents. They were struck by little things many parents and staff may tend to become accustomed to -- the beautiful artwork on the walls, the orderly transition in-between classes, the way in which the School’s building and grounds work to advance our mission, service learning activities, the nurturing relationship between teachers and students, and the list goes on.
The accreditation process required dedication from many – but the time and energy spent was well worth it. In addition to strengthening the School community it will also help in the development of clearly defined goals and objectives for the future.
St. Andrew’s Accreditation Visit A Success
St. Andrew’s is accredited by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES), an organization serving the needs of Episcopal schools in a six-state region. Accreditation must be renewed every ten years, and this fall marked the School’s 10 year renewal point.
Preparations for the process and the accreditation visit began early in 2009 with an extensive self-study that included teachers, administrative staff, board members, parents, and community representatives. In late summer, the focus shifted from completion of the self-study to planning for the accreditation visit.
On October 4th, a team of individuals from member schools and the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools arrived in Amarillo. On Sunday night, the guests had an opportunity to meet staff and board members at a lovely reception hosted by the Parents’ Auxiliary. Then for the next three days, the accreditation team met with students, parents, teachers, and a host of other St. Andrew’s community members.
“I believe that the visit went extremely well,” said Headmaster Ferguson. “Preparing St. Andrew’s for an accreditation visit was definitely a team effort and we have much to be proud of, but at the end of the day the School speaks for itself. Sure we touched up some paint and added a couple of new flowers in the planters – but the fundamentals of our School are solid. The accreditation team saw the same engaged and respectful students, the same extraordinary teachers, and the same involved and committed parent community that exists here every day of the year.”
The official report, which will include commendations, suggestions and recommendations, will not be complete until sometime in November, but preliminary feedback is that the team was extremely impressed with St. Andrew’s staff, students, and parents. They were struck by little things many parents and staff may tend to become accustomed to -- the beautiful artwork on the walls, the orderly transition in-between classes, the way in which the School’s building and grounds work to advance our mission, service learning activities, the nurturing relationship between teachers and students, and the list goes on.
The accreditation process required dedication from many – but the time and energy spent was well worth it. In addition to strengthening the School community it will also help in the development of clearly defined goals and objectives for the future.
