Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) was visited by a team of six international educators last March 11 – 15, 2018 as part of the re-accreditation process for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, (WASC) U.S.A. WASC is one of the six regional accrediting associations in the United States that assure the delivery of quality education. The members of the team are all trained in the process of assessing schools, and they spent the week exploring every aspect of school life at SISC.

The visit began with a meeting with members of the school’s WASC Leadership Team and various school committees, teachers, staff, students, and even parents. During their four-day visit, the WASC visiting members spoke with SISC teachers and staff, students, and members of home and focus groups. The visiting members entered the classrooms and observed SISC teachers and students as they engaged in the learning process.

The team gave favorable comments about SISC. They observed that SISC’s effort to provide a quality educational program for the students is evident. The school was commended by the WASC Visiting Team for its student success initiatives like “effective resources that support student learning,” the “intervention and enrichment programs for students” and the “professional development programs” for faculty and staff. Special note was made of the school’s “warm and welcoming environment” where “community pride” and “the 5Cs (Competence, Character, Commitment to Achieve, Collaboration and Creativity) are evident.” Also praised was SISC’s “effective and well-trained staff” and “parental engagement.”

The WASC report detailing its recommendations for SISC re-accreditation will be sent to the WASC main office in California, U.S.A. where the decision will be made based on the performance standards of the school and its capacity to deliver what is expected of an international school. Accreditation by WASC is an important part of the guarantee of international standards offered by SISC.