Hello EWoW Community,
What a beautiful blanket of snow, today!
I just wanted to reach out because I had the privilege of sitting down with Shea, yesterday, to review some of the efforts that she and other members of the EWoW team have been putting toward getting our school accredited. I have been involved in a small way by helping proofread documents and configuring a new CRM tool for the admissions process. But, this meeting was my first glimpse into the entirety of the accreditation process.
I thought that a little backdrop would help those of you who haven’t been close to this effort. As you know, EWoW already issues accredited transcripts. They are accredited through the North Atlantic Regional High School. They work great. And, our kids get into wonderful schools with them. But, it is a bulky, inefficient, and expensive process to have each student’s transcript individually accredited. Plus, with the purchase of 65 Bridge Street a couple years ago, it is clear that the school is on a long-term trajectory. Becoming accredited is a natural strategic step for enduring viability as an institution.
Accreditation is granted through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). You can get a full understanding of the process, here. There have been extensive conversations as well as a candidacy visit by a small team of NEASC representatives. And, from what I saw yesterday, more than 150 pages of documentation outlining mission, strategic plans, curriculum highlights, internal policies, staff qualifications, admissions procedures, and more have been submitted to support the school’s pitch for accreditation.
Shea has been at the heart of this effort. And, as a parent, I have been dazzled by her professionalism and competency representing the school in a way that both aligns with NEASC guidelines and preserves the uniqueness and beauty of EWoW. Accreditation will offer not only an improved transcript experience, but also membership in a network of schools that can provide access to best practices, extensive resources, and best-in-class guidance to build a better educational experience.
This is not a done deal. Education without Walls has actually been working on accreditation since 2020. It is the type of endeavor where you learn as you go, and there are no guarantees. But, positive feedback has been consistent. And thanks to Shea’s efforts, we appear to be moving along at an accelerated pace. I just wanted to reach out to let you all know that good stuff is happening. And, this is a wonderful thing. Warm regards,
Jenna Roche (Tatum’s mom)