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DUAL ACCREDITATION BY SACS AND SAIS Father Ryan High School has long been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). This year, for the first time, the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), in conjunction with SACS, is offering a dual accreditation by both agencies. A joint review team representing SACS and SAIS visited Father Ryan September 20-22 as the culmination of a rigorous self study and evaluation process which began in August 2003. On the recommendation of the review team the two agencies awarded the school dual accreditation on October 14, 2004, making Father Ryan the first school in the southeast region to be awarded that accreditation. In addition to meeting the rigorous standards of the two accrediting agencies, the review team approved the thorough, comprehensive process by which the school evaluated itself. Several committees made up of a cross section of faculty, staff, board members, parents and administration worked on the process. The school and community profile committee created a broad survey that was dispersed to parents, students, faculty and staff, principals, pastors, board members and alumni in order to identify strengths as well as areas of needed improvement. Knowing the review would look closely at the school's mission and how effectively that is communicated in the mission statement, a separate committee studied the school's existing mission statement that was developed in the early 1980's. With input from a broad range of stakeholders, they simplified the existing mission statement so it could be easily remembered, created an accompanying statement of beliefs and developed a motto to encapsulate both. After much feedback and numerous drafts the final draft was approved by the School Improvement Team, the faculty and staff, and followed by unanimous approval by the Board of Trust. The review team representing the accrediting agencies focused on how well the school implements its mission and beliefs throughout the curriculum, governance and leadership. Most importantly the review team applauded the continuous process of educational improvement at Father Ryan. Academic Dean, Sara Hayes, says of the current climate of Father Ryan, "Our goal at Father Ryan is to take an excellent program, already recognized for superior quality and scholarship by the Cum Laude Society, and create a continuing cycle of growth and improvement." Through the study the school recognizes the need for a broader diversity of ethnic groups in both the student body and the faculty, a more unified and comprehensive approach to reading and writing across the curriculum, and completion of the Campus Master Plan which includes expansion of athletic facilities. "The most wonderful aspect of receiving this dual accreditation is that both agencies, through the members on the Review Team, acknowledge and endorse the unique mission of Father Ryan High School. As a diocesan high school, unlike other area private schools, Father Ryan does not selectively choose students for admission based on their ability to score well on standardized tests. Rather, we accept students of many different levels of academic ability and achievement, and strive to find the most appropriate educational program within the school to help each student reach his/her potential. The Review Team recognized and praised the academic diversity within the school's population, as well as the outstanding work Father Ryan does to meet all levels of that population," Ms. Hayes stated. By seeking the accreditation Father Ryan shows it is open to evaluation and
welcomes an ongoing process of self study. The school community is focused on
three goal areas that reflect the continuing priorities of Father Ryan High School
- faith, knowledge, service. Return to Father Ryan homepage
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