Why SAES Accreditation?
The Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES) offers a distinctive approach to accreditation within the independent school landscape of the Southwest. SAES only accredits Episcopal schools, and employs a distinctive methodology and philosophy that thoughtfully balances rigorous accountability with an understanding of each school’s unique context while encouraging innovative and strategic development, regardless of a school's scale or focus.
The Value of SAES Accreditation
External Validation and Quality Assurance: At its core, accreditation provides an external affirmation of a school's operational quality and integrity. It signifies that an institution has undergone a comprehensive, impartial assessment, demonstrating adherence to established and respected standards. For families in your community, this offers a significant level of assurance that your school is committed to its mission and to the holistic development of its students and has also developed the infrastructure and resources to fulfill that mission effectively. External bodies such as state or diocesan education commissions also look for evidence that the school is meeting their expectations and may require accreditation for that purpose.
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Beyond demonstrating compliance, SAES accreditation serves as an integral component of a school's intentional and ongoing improvement process. Achieving accreditation indicates a school's proactive engagement in self-evaluation and a voluntary commitment to the continuous enhancement of its operations, governance, and programs. Our accreditation process combines internal self-scrutiny with an external peer review, leading to valuable commendations, recommendations, and suggestions designed to support strategic planning and institutional growth.
Distinctive Episcopal Identity: SAES's accreditation method uniquely evaluates a school's adherence to standards through the specific lens of its Episcopal mission. Moreover, SAES has established standards for Episcopal identity which address the spiritual development of children and take into account the canons and practices of the Episcopal Church and its constituent dioceses in ways that other accrediting bodies cannot. This approach ensures that the evaluation process is not solely about meeting general benchmarks but about aligning practices with the school's core values and its distinct Episcopal educational philosophy. SAES also works with the bishops and the commissions on schools of the ten Episcopal dioceses that we serve to foster strong relationships between schools and the Church and to ensure that all canonical requirements of schools are met.
Nationally Recognized Standards: As a member of the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA), SAES has voluntarily submitted to a rigorous and impartial review of its accreditation program and demonstrated adherence to the Council’s Criteria for Effective Independent School Accreditation Practices. SAES is commended by ICAISA for the quality of the Association’s accreditation program for its member schools. This external validation underscores the rigor and credibility of SAES accreditation.
Locally Understood Context: SAES understands that each school exists in a unique community with a unique mission and circumstances. Our Standards Committee therefore works to uphold robust requirements while also fostering the individual strengths of each school.
External Validation and Quality Assurance: At its core, accreditation provides an external affirmation of a school's operational quality and integrity. It signifies that an institution has undergone a comprehensive, impartial assessment, demonstrating adherence to established and respected standards. For families in your community, this offers a significant level of assurance that your school is committed to its mission and to the holistic development of its students and has also developed the infrastructure and resources to fulfill that mission effectively. External bodies such as state or diocesan education commissions also look for evidence that the school is meeting their expectations and may require accreditation for that purpose.
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Beyond demonstrating compliance, SAES accreditation serves as an integral component of a school's intentional and ongoing improvement process. Achieving accreditation indicates a school's proactive engagement in self-evaluation and a voluntary commitment to the continuous enhancement of its operations, governance, and programs. Our accreditation process combines internal self-scrutiny with an external peer review, leading to valuable commendations, recommendations, and suggestions designed to support strategic planning and institutional growth.
Distinctive Episcopal Identity: SAES's accreditation method uniquely evaluates a school's adherence to standards through the specific lens of its Episcopal mission. Moreover, SAES has established standards for Episcopal identity which address the spiritual development of children and take into account the canons and practices of the Episcopal Church and its constituent dioceses in ways that other accrediting bodies cannot. This approach ensures that the evaluation process is not solely about meeting general benchmarks but about aligning practices with the school's core values and its distinct Episcopal educational philosophy. SAES also works with the bishops and the commissions on schools of the ten Episcopal dioceses that we serve to foster strong relationships between schools and the Church and to ensure that all canonical requirements of schools are met.
Nationally Recognized Standards: As a member of the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA), SAES has voluntarily submitted to a rigorous and impartial review of its accreditation program and demonstrated adherence to the Council’s Criteria for Effective Independent School Accreditation Practices. SAES is commended by ICAISA for the quality of the Association’s accreditation program for its member schools. This external validation underscores the rigor and credibility of SAES accreditation.
Locally Understood Context: SAES understands that each school exists in a unique community with a unique mission and circumstances. Our Standards Committee therefore works to uphold robust requirements while also fostering the individual strengths of each school.
We invite you to connect with us today to discuss how SAES accreditation can support your Episcopal school's growth and mission.