St. Croix Central High School logo at main entrance. Photo Credit: ERNICE GILBERT/VI CONSORTIUM
The Middle States Association for Colleges and Schools' Commission on Secondary Schools has awarded the St. Croix Central High School accreditation for a term of seven years, an important achievement.
The new accredited status took effect on Oct. 15 and will last through January 1, 2029, according to MSA, which described accreditation in a congratulatory letter as an "educational organization that meets all MSA Standards for Accreditation, adheres to applicable MSA policies, and meets the requirements of the self-study protocol used." The institution must also agree to adhere to all requirements for maintenance of accreditation.
MSA said an accredited school must submit a mid-term report at the beginning of the third year in a school’s accreditation term. This report should provide evidence that the school is implementing its "Plan for Growth and Improvement" and of progress being made toward achieving these objectives. "The report will be reviewed by the Middle States staff, which will determine whether an on-site visit must be conducted to examine any areas of concern," wrote MSA Interim President Henry G. Cram. "In the sixth year of the accreditation term, you will be notified to begin a new self-study to prepare for the next accreditation visit."
A school that is unaccredited faces a number of disadvantages, including losing some opportunities for grants and scholarships.
CHS School Principal Yves Abraham, expressed that the achievement was a team effort that included a number of key participants.
"The successful reaccreditation for the next seven years is an important achievement for the CHS administrative team, faculty, staff, students, the Department of Education, and the entire community. Reaccreditation means we have met all of Middle States Associates (MSA) standards for accreditation; we have adhered to all applicable MSA policies, and have met the requirements of the self-study protocols," Mr. Yves said in a statement provided to the Consortium. "Additionally, reaccreditation also means that we are offering the necessary rigorous coursework at a level that is acceptable nationally to include AP courses, Pre-Calculus and Honors English and Mathematics."
He added, "Similarly, receiving a diploma from St. Croix High School will be recognized and accepted by colleges and universities, military, trade schools, and the workforce. Reaccreditation also allows our students to be eligible for grants and scholarships.
"Finally, our participation in the reaccreditation process was purposeful for the identification of areas for improvement. St. Croix Central High School will continue to provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. Reports must be provided outlining evidence of progress toward achieving our objectives."
PTA President Jahnella Harvey congratulated all involved in the important achievement and said the process was not easy.
"The entire accreditation team worked tirelessly and it paid off. The fact that there are no conditions to be met for the next seven years confirms the hard work the team put forth," she told the Consortium. "As the PTA President, this means the assignment was understood. As for the institution, we are ready to serve."
She added, "I had the opportunity to participate in meetings and I could tell you it was not an easy road. The requirements were enormous. Sometimes I wondered if we would be ready. To get the school reaccredited truly took a community effort. At the end of the day it's for opportunities for our students and the future of our community.
"With such an accomplishment, it would be ideal to be on the campus with our Carib family.
"Congratulations to our students, our school and our community… It’s not over here, PTA plans to continue working closely with the school administrators to continue to build on the academic, safety, infrastructure and social goals we have achieve."
