The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) granted accreditation to San Marcos, Dos Pueblos, and Santa Barbara High Schools.
To earn accreditation, the school’s staff provided a report and hosted a visit from WASC.
The process requires a year-long “Focus on Learning” where subcommittees of staff, students, and family members concentrate on Leadership, Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Culture. Each subcommittee reviews data and seeks input from various stakeholders. In addition, a WASC committee reviews the report and spends three days on campus meeting with staff, district officials, and stakeholders, such as parents and students, to validate the strengths and areas for growth that the “Focus On Learning Report” identifies.
“The accreditation decision validates that San Marcos, and SB Unified’s other comprehensive high schools, are doing a good job of preparing students for a successful future. The committee report also serves as a valuable tool to help identify areas of improvement as we continue the work of making San Marcos into the best high school it can be,” said San Marcos High School Principal Dare Holdren
Staff members at all three schools celebrated the accreditation with cake Tuesday.
“Learning we received our six-year accreditation is a testament to the collective efforts of our entire Dos Pueblos staff and families and is evidence of our commitment to providing the highest quality education to our students. I am extremely proud of the hard work that went into our successful accreditation process, which I know will make our school even stronger in the coming years,” said Dos Pueblos High School Principal Bill Woodard.
The accreditation was also celebrated at Tuesday’s Board of Trustees meeting.
“I have always appreciated the rigorous and intense WASC accreditation process. It requires us to bring all our stakeholders together in a focused and collaborative manner to describe, evaluate, and celebrate the amazing programs, staff, and actions we take to ensure that all students are supported, cared for, and thriving. Receiving accreditation shows our community that Santa Barbara High School is providing a quality education and experience,” said Dr. Elise Simmons, SBHS Principal.
As part of the accreditation process, the schools must do a progress report to confirm continued progress and positive academic outcomes.
The accreditation for all three schools will last through June 30, 2029.
“We are proud of our high schools for earning six more years of accreditation. Our goal is to build the next generation of artists, musicians, scientists, mathematicians, writers, and athletes. This accreditation shows our commitment to providing a complete and quality education for our students,” said Dr. Hilda Maldonado, Superintendent.
La Cuesta Continuation High School was granted six years of accreditation in March 2020, with a mid-cycle progress report due June 1, 2023. Alta Vista Alternative High School had a mid-cycle report last year where accreditation was reaffirmed. Their next visit will happen in the 2024-2025 school year.
