What accreditation accomplishes
Catholic school accreditation determines the quality of a school’s overall Catholic identity and educational program. The school examines itself to understand what is working well, what needs to improve, and how to better serve students while sustaining long-term viability.
Mission & Catholic identity
Assess the school’s authentic Catholic nature, culture, and opportunities for students to deepen or form a relationship with Jesus.
Community participation
Involve shareholders through committees, draft reviews, surveys, and other role-appropriate collaboration.
Foundational direction
Clarify mission, vision, philosophy, and student outcomes that guide the school community.
Academic excellence
Use high-quality criteria and analyzed data to evaluate learning programs, instruction, and spiritual development.
Operational vitality
Review financial planning, personnel, facilities, advancement, and communication for institutional sustainability.
Improvement planning
Develop an Educational Improvement Plan that strengthens student learning and institutional viability.
Accountability
Monitor progress, refine goals, and ensure the Action Plan leads to continuous improvement.
The visiting committee
After reviewing the Self-Study, a committee of trained educators spends 2–4 days with the school community. The committee visits classrooms, investigates evidence, interviews shareholders, and prepares a written report and accreditation-status recommendation. The full WCEA commission reviews reports and recommendations and votes on accreditation status.