The Independent School of Winchester is delighted to announce that, as of May 2019, the school has earned full accreditation status through the Virginia Independent Schools Association.
ISW’s accreditation offers our students and families important benefits:
- Families can rest assured that ISW is meeting VISA standards.
- Colleges and universities will recognize that ISW is a VISA school.
- Other Virginia K12 school systems agree to recognize our credits. If a student moves to another part of the state and enrolls in an accredited school, that school must recognize credits on the student’s transcript.
- It opens the door for ISW to apply for grants that require accreditation.
- It offers our school access to many organizations that are open only to accredited schools.
VISA’s accreditation process, which is based on 55 objective standards, requires schools to take stock of their programs over a two-year period. ISW’s Steering Committee included: Dr. Claire McDonald, Head of School, Meghan Whitlock, Dean of the Elementary Program; Rebecca Lloyd, Dean of the Middle and High School; Dr. Christina Romich, Director of Performing Arts; and faculty member Laura Viner. The Steering Committee worked with the faculty and the Board of Directors to produce a Self-Study, which focused heavily on curriculum but also looked at admissions, hiring, professional development, school finances, fundraising efforts, and of course, facilities.
In April of this year, VISA sent a team of professional educators from other independent schools to spend several days on campus. ISW’s team observed classes, and interviewed a number of students, several parents, the entire faculty, the Board of Directors, and our administrative team. They closely examined all aspects of the school and found that the ISW met or exceeded all VISA standards. The Visiting Team recommended that ISW be accredited, and VISA’s member schools unanimously voted in May to admit ISW to their organization.
The Visiting Team commended the school on a number of levels. They spoke glowingly of the many kindnesses they witnessed informally among students at all grade levels as well as the overall positive climate of the school. VISA also noted that ISW’s faculty “is the biggest asset at [the school]…Teachers are very dedicated to their students, to the school, and to providing a nurturing and engaging learning environment. Teachers generously spend time with their students and support their individual needs. There is a strong spirit of camaraderie among the faculty and staff.” The Visiting Team concluded that “[ISW] is commended for maintaining such a strong community through shared vision and goals.”
Many thanks to the parents, teachers, administrators, board members, and students who took part in the accreditation process!