In July 2023, DeSales Catholic School was granted the status of Candidate for Accreditation by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA).
The MSA accreditation process helps schools, and essentially students, continuously grow and improve.
What is MSA?
The Middle States Association is a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 125 years, the Middle States accreditation process has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development and advance student achievement.
The Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association accredit early-childhood through post-secondary, non-degree granting public, private, faith-based educational institutions including special purpose schools, and learning services providers.
What is accreditation?
Accreditation is a self-evaluation process that schools and school systems voluntarily use to demonstrate they are meeting a defined set of research-based performance standards. The standards examine schools in a holistic way, supplementing student-testing data to provide a more complete measure of a school’s performance and chart a strategic and realistic course for continuous school improvement.
The MSA Standards for Accreditation
When it comes to evaluating schools and school systems, the Middle States Association looks at the whole school- not just test scores. We realize that improving outcomes requires a comprehensive approach. When we assess whether a school should be accredited we look at how the school performs in MSA’s accreditation process and evaluate your institution holistically, focusing on five core areas that ensure excellence and continuous growth. These are:
● Foundations: Align your mission, core values, and goals with the needs of your school community to create a clear vision for success.
● Governance and Organization: Establish effective leadership, governance structures, and policies to guide decision-making and promote ethical practices.
● Student Well-Being: Create a safe, inclusive environment that prioritizes the physical, emotional, and social development of all students.
● Resources: Optimize financial, human, and physical resources to ensure sustainability and support for educational goals.
● Teaching and Learning: Deliver a rigorous, mission-aligned curriculum that promotes student achievement and prepares learners for future success.
To learn more about The Middle States Association, visit: https://www.msa-cess.org
