Family Academy Receives WASC Accreditation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Tammie Elliott

November 20, 2024

Arlington, Washington is pleased to announce that Family Academy® has been granted accreditation status by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) for PreK-12. The announcement was made after the school completed a detailed school report and hosted an initial visit by fellow educators to examine the school program in relation to student learning and well-being based on the WASC criteria. The resulting initial visiting report that was reviewed by the WASC Commission summarized schoolwide strengths and growth areas for continuous improvement. This is a critical first step in the school’s continuous improvement journey that involves all stakeholders in a deeper analysis of its program based on the WASC criteria through the self-study/visit process.

“We are excited to bring another level of certification to our homeschool base of students and for those registered in any of our Learning Centers or Campus schools.”- Tammie Elliott, CEO of Family Academy®

“Family Academy^® is committed to providing a personalized, family-directed education that meets the diverse needs of its students. FA’s governance, instructional strategies, and assessment methods are all designed to promote student achievement and well-being while preparing students for college and career readiness. With a strong focus on collaboration between parents, Teacher Consultants, and the broader community, Family Academy® ensures that every student is given the support and resources they need to succeed in their academic and personal growth. -Elizabeth O. WASC “Family Academy® provided a very thorough initial visit report, including supporting evidence. During the initial visit there was the opportunity for meaningful dialogue with the stakeholders, observations of students engaged in learning, and examination of additional evidence. The visiting committee found many positive aspects to the school which follow:

• Personalized Learning Approach: Family Academy® tailors’ education to each student’s individual needs, strengths, and interests, ensuring a customized learning experience for all students.
• Strong Parent Involvement: FA empowers parents to take an active role in their children’s education, fostering collaboration between parents, Teacher Consultants, and students.
• Flexible Curriculum: The curriculum allows for flexibility in subject matter and pacing, offering a variety of instructional methods such as project-based learning, mastery-based education, and career and technology education (CTE).
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Family Academy emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion by working with students from various cultural and educational backgrounds and adapting programs to meet individual needs.
• Career and College Readiness: FA provides robust career exploration and preparation programs, helping students gain practical skills and certifications to be ready for both higher education and the workforce.
• Effective Use of Technology: Technology is integrated into the learning process, enhancing student engagement through online learning tools, digital resources, and remote collaboration, ensuring that students are prepared for the digital age.
• Supportive Administration: Family Academy’s leadership fosters a collaborative environment by providing regular communication, professional development, and support to both parents and Teacher Consultants, ensuring smooth operations and a focus on student success.” – WASC

WASC accreditation validates the integrity of a school’s program and transcripts and assures a community that the school’s goals are appropriate and accomplished through a viable education program. Furthermore, WASC accreditation is a certification to the public that the school is a trustworthy institution of learning and well-being that is committed to continuous improvement and high-quality learning and well-being for all students.

Through the WASC ongoing accreditation cycle, the school conducts an in-depth self-study, normally every five or six years, hosts a visit by fellow educators and engages all stakeholders in a follow-up process of implementing, monitoring, and refining the resulting schoolwide action plan.

About WASC: The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), a world-renowned accrediting association and one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the United States, works closely with the Office of Overseas Schools under the U.S. Department of State. WASC provides assistance to schools worldwide, especially in California, Hawaii, Guam, Asia, the Pacific Region, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

Family Academy® has two Learning Centers in California and a new Learning Center in Hawaii! They have 19 world language teachers in 18 countries! This accreditation allows them to continue the important work of education with Military families who are stationed outside of the United States.

To learn more, please visit the WASC website at www.acswasc.org or contact the WASC office directly.

School ID # 69 58956 999