Head of School Chris Wilson announced this week that Esperanza Academy has earned full accreditation from the Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE), a nationally recognized accreditation program. Entering its ninth year of providing middle school girls in Lawrence with a rigorous and holistic independent-school education, Esperanza Academy completed the in-depth accreditation process this May.
The accreditation process began in the fall of 2012 with a thorough self-study, generated by the faculty, trustees and other members of the Esperanza community, and which extensively documented the school’s practices and philosophy in defined AISNE standards, according to the Esperanza announcement.
In May, an AISNE visiting team, comprising teachers and administrators from peer schools, conducted a multi-day site visit that involved observations and conversations with administrators, staff, faculty, parents, students and board members, and included a thorough examination of all areas of the school’s operations, including admission, financial management, communications, governance, facilities and health and safety. The team presented its findings and recommendations to the AISNE Board of Directors, which unanimously granted accreditation to Esperanza Academy.
Wilson said that while accreditation is a powerful endorsement of the school and an exciting and historic milestone as the school readies to celebrate its 10th anniversary, “the accreditation process provided our faculty with an invaluable opportunity for self-evaluation, reflection and institutional dialogue that helped us affirm our strengths, identify areas of improvement and strengthen and reaffirm our commitment to our mission.”
According to the companion letter to the visiting team report, “Esperanza Academy is a very special place…Our time on campus confirmed that you do truly live your mission. We witnessed students’ dedication to the core values, engagement in active learning, exploration of global issues and a sense of responsibility as members of the academy and their local community…In each moment we saw strong and healthy partnership among members of the Esperanza community, and a dedication to working together as you enter the next chapter in the academy’s growth.”
The accreditation cycle of AISNE schools spans 10 years. Within one year, Esperanza Academy must respond to report recommendations with an action plan. In three years, an AISNE team will conduct a follow-up visit to verify the school’s progress. In nine years, Esperanza Academy will conduct another self-study in order to renew accreditation.
The AISNE accreditation program is recognized and approved by the National Association of Independent Schools through its Commission on Accreditation. The commission’s work is intended to assure the quality of independent school accrediting programs. In order to achieve and maintain AISNE accreditation, schools must engage in ongoing school improvement to enhance student learning and growth.
Esperanza Academy is an all-girls middle school in the Episcopal tradition, providing education and supportive community that aims to unlock the potential in every student and empower girls to face the world with courage, integrity and respect.