The Middle States Association for Colleges and Schools' Commission on Secondary Schools has awarded the St. Croix Central High School accreditation for a term of seven years, an important achievement.
The new accredited status took effect on Oct. 15 and will last through January 1, 2029, according to MSA, which described accreditation in a congratulatory letter as an "educational organization that meets all MSA Standards for Accreditation, adheres to applicable MSA policies, and meets the requirements of the self-study protocol used." The institution must also agree to adhere to all requirements for maintenance of accreditation.
MSA said an accredited school must submit a mid-term report at the beginning of the third year in a school’s accreditation term. This report should provide evidence that the school is implementing its "Plan for Growth and Improvement" and of progress being made toward achieving these objectives. "The report will be reviewed by the Middle States staff, which will determine whether an on-site visit must be conducted to examine any areas of concern," wrote MSA Interim President Henry G. Cram. "In the sixth year of the accreditation term, you will be notified to begin a new self-study to prepare for the next accreditation visit."
A school that is unaccredited faces a number of disadvantages, including losing some opportunities for grants and scholarships.
CHS School Principal Yves Abraham, expressed that the achievement was a team effort that included a number of key participants.