Highlands School Receives SAIS Accreditation

Highlands School Receives SAIS Accreditation

After a months-long, rigorous self-study process, we are pleased to announce that Highlands School has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) for 2023-2028.

To earn accreditation from SAIS, Highlands complied with quality standards, was evaluated by an outside group of peer professionals, and implemented a school plan focused on strategic improvement and student performance in accordance with the school’s mission:  “Highlands School’s Mission is to provide an academically challenging program, to create a love of learning in every student, to instill the habits of success in every student, and to prepare the student to be a responsible and productive member of the community.”

A team representing SAIS conducted an on-site visit in November to review this school’s self-study and standards compliance and its adherence to its mission. The team was comprised of diverse educational leaders from institutions across the region. The visiting team sought the answers to critical strategic questions the school answered during the process of preparing for the visit. 

SAIS accredited member schools are part of an international network of accredited schools that have demonstrated success in educating children. As such, SAIS accreditation is recognized throughout the world as a symbol of quality in education for students and teachers.

In today’s world of accountability in education, accreditation serves as a critical component of a school’s demonstrated effectiveness and ability to provide successful schooling for children. A school that is able to achieve accreditation demonstrates a commitment to a process that requires the school to meet a set of rigorous standards; to engage in a program of continuous school improvement; and to demonstrate quality assurance to its stakeholders through self-evaluation and peer-review. SAIS accreditation provides schools access to an integrated network of services and technical assistance that supports every school’s ability to identify and meet its goals for improving the teaching and learning process and mission-focused outcomes for students.

An Endorsement for Setting the Bar for Excellence and Innovation

Accreditation is an endorsement and validation of Highlands’ strategic direction and approach to education and, in particular, of Setting the Bar for Excellence and Innovation, the Strategic Plan for Highlands, shared earlier this school year. The Overview of the Visit states, “The focus on student learning, instructional outcomes, and personal development is a bold step in improving the entire school community and expanding opportunities for students.”