May 7, 2012
Regents Daily News: May 7, 2012
Accreditation Process Well Under Way
The Apostle Paul wrote, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Cor 10:12). It is unwise to compare yourself to yourself and then commend yourself; that would be mere self-congratulation. But consider the converse of Paul’s words: it is wise to seek to compare yourself using an objective standard outside of you; then you can allow someone else to commend you rather than simply congratulating yourself.
This principle of objective evaluation is the reason for accreditation. Accreditation is a process by which schools are examined by an independent organization who evaluates the school’s philosophy, leadership, organization, faculty, academics, programs, and relationships with the community to confirm that the school has integrity and is fulfilling its purpose in a satisfactory manner. Once a school is accredited, then it can point to the accreditation process as a confirmation that it is doing an excellent job at educating its students and serving its constituency.
Regents Academy is currently seeking accreditation through the Texas Alliance of Accredited Private School (TAAPS). This week two TAAPS representatives, including the executive director of the organization, spent two days at the school observing and investigating. In the months leading up to their visit the school’s staff completed a self-study, and the team used this study to begin the evaluation process of our school. The good news (great news actually!) is that our school passed this first stage of accreditation, and now we are ready to proceed. Lord willing, we can complete the process in the fall and gain full accreditation status with TAAPS at that time.
This will be one more way we can say to our community that Regents Academy is a school that provides an outstanding education, and its board and administration adheres to its published philosophy, follows sound accounting principles, keeps accurate records, treats its employees fairly, has adequate facilities, keeps its campus safe, serves parents and students well, and maintains academic excellence through a sound curriculum and a well-trained faculty.
Our ultimate commendation comes from the Lord, but we thank Him also for fellow educators who commend us to our community.