WATERTOWN — Immaculate Heart Central School received accreditation on May 3 from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools for kindergarten through 12th grade.
The association, established in 1887, accredits early childhood through post-secondary public, private and faith-based educational institutions. If accredited, the association provides leadership in school improvement, according to a news release.
In previous years, Immaculate Heart was accredited for grades seven through 12, but with the school switching to one central building starting this fall, the administration deemed it important that the accreditation reflected a “unified K-12 school.”
To be approved, the school conducted a self-study in 2017, and in 2018 the association’s observation team met with the school’s education council, faculty members, parents and students. The team observes 12 key aspects of a school when finalizing its decision: mission, governance and leadership, school improvement planning, finances, facilities, school organization and staff, health and safety, educational program, assessment and evidence of student learning, student services, student life and activities and informational resources.
Principal Lynise Lassiter stated in an email that this accreditation shows even as a private school with more leeway with curriculum, IHC is meeting strict standards.
“We are an institution that is accountable to the students, parents and teachers,” Mrs. Lassiter stated. “We also want to show the public that we are an institution that focuses on continuous improvement. No one school is perfect; however, we always strive to continue to develop what we do well and improve our areas of weakness.”
In addition, Mrs. Lassiter stated being accredited can help advance students in the future.
“Colleges and universities know that students coming from schools with this credential are more likely to have received a quality education. Moreover, military families who move around can also be assured that their children are receiving credit for courses that are transferable to other schools around the country,” Mrs. Lassiter stated.