Laurel Springs Accreditation |
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During any accreditation process, it is important to verify
that you can accomplish your goals as set out in your goals and mission
statement. Self-studies allow us to assess if we are fulfilling our mandate,
to analyze what our students are learning, and how to measure the results
of that learning. We are looking at our strengths, but it is equally important
for us to identify our weaknesses and to determine how to correct them.
- Marilyn Mosley, Director of Laurel Springs School |
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Process
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At Laurel Springs School, we believe children benefit most from an educational
process that respects an individual approach to learning. By participating
in the accreditation processes, Laurel Springs has received valuable feedback
about the effectiveness of our program in helping our students to engage
meaningfully in the world around them. These accreditation processes have
enabled us to identify areas for growth, formulate action plans to address
those areas for growth, and develop specific objectives, called Learning
Goals, that will help us realize our educational mission of providing innovative
educational programs that stimulate children’s natural curiosity and innate
love of learning.
Accreditation is an ongoing process of self-study, goal-setting, and evaluation.
Once candidacy status has been granted, schools have a designated period
of time to engage in a thorough self-study. During the self-study phase
of the accrediting process, the school compiles data about its program from
all members of its community, including students, parents, and teachers.
The information from school stakeholders is compiled in a self-study report.
A visiting committee composed of peer educators comes to the school to evaluate
all aspects of the program and ensure that the school is meeting accreditation
guidelines. Of foremost importance to accrediting committees is the school’s
ability to articulate and implement an educational mission that demonstrably
benefits the school’s students. |
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Standards
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A school’s accreditation indicates that its curricula and
teachers are meeting standards of education consistent with those in peer
schools. Some colleges and universities, especially public university systems
with large campuses, regard accreditation as a measure of that consistency.
Others put more emphasis on individual accomplishment and excitement for
learning, or grades and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores.
Graduates of Laurel Springs School’s seven senior classes have already shown
considerable success. Laurel Springs students’ SAT scores are averaging
between 15 to 30 percent higher than the national average. Laurel Springs
graduates have been accepted by the University of California, Rutgers, Bennington,
Arizona State, Scripps, Humboldt, Sarah Lawrence, American University of
Paris, Dickenson, Pepperdine, Cal Arts and the American Academy of Dramatic
Arts. Many of our students have received scholarships and awards for academics,
artistic ability, athletics, and overall achievement. |
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Status
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Laurel Springs has been granted accreditation with WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges). Accreditation is a continuing cycle of self-study for school improvement. The entire community is invited to participate as we take a close look at how our students are learning. For more information, tell any Enrollment Advisor or teacher that you're interested in being a part of the Focus on Learning self-study.
Verifying the quality of a Laurel Springs education, accreditation status will enable our students to achieve their educational and personal goals. Transcripts from schools by accrediting organizations are accepted at colleges and universities worldwide. Thus, accreditation helps college-bound, NCAA, and transferring students receive credit for course requirements completed at Laurel Springs School. |
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