(SCS) — Saipan Community School has been granted accreditation status by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The announcement was made after the school completed a detailed school report and hosted an initial visit by fellow educators to examine the school program in relation to student learning and well-being based on the WASC criteria.
The resulting initial visiting report that was reviewed by the WASC Commission summarized schoolwide strengths and growth areas for continuous improvement. This is a critical first step in the school’s continuous improvement journey that involves all stakeholders in a deeper analysis of its program based on the WASC criteria through the self-study/visit process.
“We are honored and grateful to receive WASC accreditation,” said Amanda June Allen Dunn, SCS principal and superintendent. “This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and families, and we look forward to building on this milestone with great joy and purpose.”
Saipan Community School also is thankful for the accreditation visiting committee for their perspectives throughout the visit based on the WASC criteria. The visiting committee report noted the following areas of strength exhibited within Saipan Community School:
• The school has a safe, civil, healthy, and positive learning environment. Students feel respected and connected with the staff and are engaged in learning.
• Saipan Community School’s staff and partners offer academic, emotional, and social support through individualized attention and targeted interventions to address the needs of students to succeed academically and personally.
• The principal leads with vision, fosters a positive school culture, supports staff development, and prioritizes student achievement to create an environment where both students and teachers thrive, ensuring academic excellence and a strong, supportive community that drives the success of every individual.
• The talented staff consistently supports student growth both academically and personally to create a supportive learning environment where students are challenged, inspired, and equipped to succeed.
• The unique students bring diverse perspectives, strengths, and creativity to the classroom, engaging in their learning and contributing to a vibrant school community to foster an inclusive environment where they have the opportunity to grow and succeed.
• A highly involved Governing Board which actively participates in the management of the school and the ensuring of quality education.
• Parents are involved and supportive of the school and provide input.
WASC accreditation validates the integrity of a school’s program and transcripts, and assures a community that the school’s goals are appropriate and being accomplished through a viable education program. Furthermore, WASC accreditation is a certification to the public that the school is a trustworthy institution of learning and well-being that is committed to continuous improvement and high-quality learning and well-being for all students.
Through the WASC ongoing accreditation cycle, the school conducts an in-depth self-study, normally every five or six years, hosts a visit by fellow educators and engages all stakeholders in a follow-up process of implementing, monitoring, and refining the resulting schoolwide action plan.
About WASC
The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, a world-renowned accrediting association and one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the United States, works closely with the Office of Overseas Schools under the U.S. Department of State. WASC provides assistance to schools worldwide, especially in California, Hawaii, Guam, Asia, the Pacific Region, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. To learn more, visit the WASC website at www.acswasc.org/.
