WASC Report excerpts from Dr. Warren Stephenson, WASC Visiting Committee:

• I have never visited a school where the environment is so nurturing, healthy and everyone is striving to create a loving, caring learning environment for their students. 

• There is a high level of professionalism, trust and respect demonstrated throughout the school. It is very evident that the school leadership and staff are highly qualified for their responsibilities.  There is an unbelievable commitment by everyone at the school to work together to accomplish the school’s mission.

• There are many unique activities at this school. A great deal of wonderful work has been accomplished in less than a year. A great deal of individual freedom is provided to students so that they can follow their interests especially if they are in the “zone."  Students report that they are learning much more this year than last year but they are not working harder, just smarter. The level of student engagement in the learning process is fantastic.

• This school is dedicated to providing a high level of individual support services to every single student.  The low teacher-to-student ratio that is unique to this school is at the heart of its philosophy. Parents and students comment on the high level of caring and love that is provided.

• The school leadership has a very clear vision of what they want to accomplish with the school. The close personal relationships that are developed at the school between the Head of School and teachers with their students and the parents of the students are an important part of the success of the school. The Head of School is held in high regard by parents, students and teachers. Parents are strongly committed to the educational philosophies and instructional strategies that are used at the school. The degree of creativity and innovation observed at the school is impressive.

• There is a great deal of collaboration and sharing that occurs at the school and teachers are highly motivated.  The best practices that are used here are highly effective. The school definitely provides a challenging, relevant curriculum. Assessment has been developed so that it serves as a part of the learning process and not just used to measure if learning has occurred.