Group-8

Accreditation Update for Parents & Stakeholders

Re-Accreditation Site Visit Summary

They were blown away.

We are thrilled to share that the Site Visit Team of Evaluators has recommended Scholars Academy for continued accreditation following our 5-Year Review! This is the strongest possible outcome at this stage—and a powerful affirmation of the heart, quality, and intentional growth happening across our school community.

Scholar Engagement & Student Life

What Moved the Evaluators?

More than anything else, the evaluators were moved by what our students had to say.

Voices of Our Scholars

Our scholars were emphatic: they love it here—and they don’t want to go anywhere else. They feel safe, seen, and deeply connected—not just to their teachers, but to their peers and to the community we’ve built together.

They shared that this school has changed their lives, offering a learning environment where they are known, valued, and truly belong. That impact was loud and clear throughout the visit.

Continued Investment in Student Life

And we’re not stopping there. Here’s how we’re continuing to invest in student life, connection, and joy: Ongoing Cultural Credit opportunities, local field trips, in-person orientations, and travel intensives—with the goal of hosting one key travel event each school year, in addition to our beloved fall orientation weekends. Continued local, in-person gatherings for students in various regions—with virtual participation options available for those who aren’t local, ensuring inclusive experiences for every student. More non-academic virtual events, like themed socials, student-led Zoom meetups, and casual hangouts, where kids can relax, connect, and just be themselves. We’re building more than just an academic program—we’re building community, memories, and lifelong belonging

Culture, Faculty, and Leadership Highlights

School Culture

Evaluators praised our school culture as rare and powerful—something to protect at all costs as we grow.

Faculty & Leadership

They described our faculty as strong, passionate, confident leaders—deeply committed not only to the mission, but to one another and to our scholars.

Communication and Collaboration

Our communication across families, faculty, and leadership was recognized as clear, consistent, and aligned, with strong structures in place for sharing expectations, curriculum plans, and support.

Visionary Leadership

The leadership team was described as visionary and focused, with clarity around where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going.

Teaching, Curriculum & Innovation

Scholarly Experience

Scholars feel safe, known, challenged, and deeply connected.

Educators Leading with Confidence

Teachers were observed leading with confidence, care, and clarity.

Work-Life Balance for Teachers

Our model was praised for offering teachers a 10/10 work-life balance while delivering exceptional learning.

Upcoming Initiatives

  • A formal AI policy for students.
  • Ongoing faculty training on AI in instruction.
  • A new plagiarism policy as we grow.

Financial Stewardship & Sustainability

Fiscal Management

Evaluators were highly impressed with the strength of our fiscal management.

Strategic Financial Priorities

They praised how well we balance strategic priorities while funding scholarships and providing financial support for intensives, orientations, and other school events in a responsible and sustainable way.

Long-Term Financial Success

Our financial leadership was described as a clear foundation for long-term success, enabling us to grow intentionally while staying rooted in our mission.

Final Words from the Site Visit Team

“We always look for passion—and you’ve definitely got that. You have a crystal-clear vision. Leadership knows where you’ve come from, where you are, and where you’re going. The leadership, the faculty, and the kids—everyone here has passion. And with passion, you can overcome almost anything that comes your way.”

What’s Next?

The recommendation will be finalized after the full written report is submitted and the accrediting board casts its vote—but this is the best possible outcome at this stage of the process.

Thank you for trusting us with your children. We are grateful for your partnership and proud of the beautiful, bold learning community we’re continuing to grow—together.

With love and appreciation,

Dr. Lowder 

Director, Scholars Academy