Accreditation

St. James School has been reaccreditated by two great institutions.

The Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools is pleased to announce that St. James School, Basking Ridge, has been awarded accreditations by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The award was announced by Dr. Patricia Kelly-Stiles, Chair of the Commission and Deputy Superintendent of the Diocese of Brooklyn (NY), following the Commission's April 2005 meeting. St. James School was one of over 100 schools so honored by the Commission.

MSCES accreditation signifies the educational community of St. James School has engaged in a rigorous process of developing self-knowledge; has hosted an evaluation team of independently-appointed educators; and has created an on-going Strategic Plan to move school improvement forward. This 18 month process was governed by a Steering Committee, chaired by Principal Jeremiah Kenny. The process involved many elements of the St. James School community, including faculty, parents, and students.

Accreditation also signifies that St. James School has met the MSCES Standards for a quality school. These Standards reflect current research and best practices from throughout the education profession. During the term of accreditation the school community will engage in a Commission-directed series of reports and/or site visits to maintain the vigor of the accreditation process.

MSCES, which works with public and private schools from New York State to the District of Columbia, in the US Caribbean, and in various locations around the globe, is one of three accrediting Commissions of the over 100-year old Middle States Association. The Middle States Association is the second-oldest regional accreditor in the United States and, in addition to its elementary component, is also comprised of the Commission on Secondary Schools and the Commission on Higher Education.

Accreditation by MSCES is recognized around the world as an indication of trustworthiness, educational quality, and a commitment to on-going school improvement. F. Laird Evans, Ed. D., Executive Director of the Commission, offered his congratulations to the entire St. James School community, adding: "MSCES accreditation is a recognition of both prior achievements and a commitment to greater future accomplishments."

Location of Middle States home page: http://ces-msa.org/