Catalyst Alternative Private High School Boulder, CO

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a voluntary method of quality assurance developed more than 100 years ago by American universities and secondary schools. Today, to demonstrate educational quality, accreditation is used by education providers of all types from traditional schools to distance learning providers.

Accreditation engages the school community in meeting high quality standards, implementing continuous improvement, and engaging in quality assurance through internal and external review.  Accreditation is about making the quest for excellence a habit; it’s about being the best a school can be on behalf of the students it serves.

On April 30th, 2010, Catalyst High School was awarded the highest level of accreditation after a Quality Assurance Review through AdvancEd and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement Team. Founded in 1895, NCA CASI is a non-governmental, voluntary organization that accredits 26,000 high schools and universities worldwide.
“Congratulations, Ed, on Catalyst earning its accreditation. I know you and your staff have poured your hearts and souls into this program, and I am delighted that your contributions are being fully recognized. I hope you spend plenty of time celebrating this accomplishment, and maybe even take a little time off for some much deserved R&R.”
– Karen A.

During the QAR, the AdvancEd team spent two days meeting with the school administration, teachers, and staff, as well as with 22 students and 35 current and former parents, and 20 community members. Through individual meetings the four members of the QAR team calculated that they had over 150 contacts with individuals.  The team engaged the entire school community in a continuous process of self-evaluation, reflection, and improvement.

The QAR team examined the school’s systems and processes in relation to the seven AdvancEd standards. Catalyst scored higher overall than any schools reviewed in the past two years according to the team leader.

Accreditation Review

1.  Vision and Purpose
2. Governance and Leadership
3. Teaching and Learning
4. Documenting and Using Results
5. Resource and Support Systems
6. Stakeholder Communications
     and Relationships
7. Commitment to Continuous
     Improvement


What are the benefits of attending an accredited school?

Students who attend a school accredited by NCA CASI can be certain that the school is committed to raising student achievement, providing a safe and enriching learning environment, and maintaining an efficient and effective operation.  An accredited school is held accountable for improving student learning on a continual basis and must maintain high quality standards based on research and successful professional practices.

Accreditation means that students have:

  • Qualified teachers who are continually working to improve their practices and teaching methods in order to increase student performance
  • Access to a rich, diverse, and sound curriculum
  • Access to a range of student activities and support services
  • Transferability of credits from school to school
  • Greater access to federal loans, scholarships, post secondary education and military programs that require accreditation
“Accreditation is an activity, not a status. Schools are accredited because of the way they move, not the way they stand.”
- John A. Stoops, Late Executive Director, CITA

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