July 21, 2016
O’Neal Announces Continued Dual Accreditation
Southern Pines – The O’Neal School received notification in June of its continuing accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), an accreditation division of AdvancED. O’Neal has been dually accredited by these national accreditation associations since 2005.
Both accreditations are based on five year terms. Every five years a team representing SAIS and SACS CASI conducts an on-site visit to review the School’s self-study and standards compliance as well as its adherence to its mission. The team is comprised of diverse educational leaders from some of the finest institutions in the southeast. The visiting team seeks the answers to critical questions the School asks of itself.
The self-study happens prior to the on-site visit. It involves a satisfaction survey given to trustees, parents, students, faculty and staff. The results of the survey help to define specific areas of focus and the establishment of action items to achieve specific goals.
SAIS accredited member schools are part of an international network of accredited schools that have demonstrated success in educating children. As such, SAIS accreditation is recognized through the world as a symbol of quality in education for students and teachers. SACS CASI provides nationally-recognized accreditation to schools showing a continuous process of school improvement focused on increasing student performance in addition to meeting its high standards set forth. Many of North Carolina’s public schools also choose SACS CASI /AdvancED for accreditation.
In today’s world of accountability in education, accreditation serves as a critical component of a school’s demonstrated effectiveness and ability to provide successful schooling for children. A school that is able to achieve and maintain accreditation demonstrates a commitment to a process that requires the school to meet rigorous standards; to engage in a program of continuous school improvement; and to demonstrate quality assurance to its stakeholders through self-evaluation and peer-review. SAIS accreditation provides schools access to an integrated network of services and technical assistance that supports every school’s ability to identify and meet its goals for improving the teaching and learning process and mission-focused outcomes for students.
Dr. Mark Elgart, President/CEO of AdvancED, the parent organization of SACS CASI, stated, “SACS CASI Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school on the primary goal of creating lifelong learners. O’Neal is to be commended for engaging in this process and demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.”
O’Neal’s accreditation qualifies its membership to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). O’Neal is also a member of the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS), both of which provide resources and data as well as representation on national and state levels.
An independent, college preparatory school for pre-kindergarten age 3 through grade 12, The O’Neal School is dedicated to the development of academic excellence, strength of character, and physical well-being of its students. O’Neal prides itself on having 100% of its graduates receive acceptances to colleges and universities throughout the nation. The School is currently accepting enrollment applications. For more information, contact Oliva Webb, director of Admissions at (910) 692-6920 or go to www.ONealSchool.org.