Huntington Learning Center Earns Middle States Re-Accreditation

The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), based in Philadelphia, Pa., announced that Huntington Learning Centers , accredited since 1998, and Succasunna, accredited since 2004, recently earned re-accreditation.

Each school completed an intensive three-year process culminating with a three and one-half day visit to the schools by a volunteer validation team of educators appointed by Middle States.

During the visit, the Middle States team met with and interviewed stakeholders of the schools including teachers, students, parents and administrators, as well as representatives of the schools’ governing bodies. Team members toured the facilities, studied the schools’ strategic plans for improvement and other documents related to the schools’ work, and observed teaching and learning in classrooms.

“These schools join a prestigious network of Middle States accredited schools committed to a more fair and comprehensive assessment of achievement and success that goes beyond standardized test scores and students’ performances to encompass programs, services and facilities,” said MSA-CESS President Henry G. Cram Jr.“The school communities are to be commended for their commitment to ensure that every student reach his or her fullest potential.”

To become accredited through a MSA-CESS protocol, a school must meet the Middle States Association’s standards for: mission/beliefs/objectives, governance and leadership, organizational design and staff, educational programs, learning media services and technology, student services, student life and activities, facilities, health and safety, finances, assessment of student learning and planning.

According to Cram, school quality is best measured by individual student growth over time and the value added to each child by the educational experience the school provides. 

“Accreditation can help a school and its community better understand not only how it is doing, but more importantly, learn what it needs to do to improve, a key element of most state assessments,” said Cram.