An island public school has won re-accreditation from a worldwide standards body, it was announced today.

CedarBridge Academy got the distinction from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools — its second award from the organisation in a decade.

The secondary school had to carry out a self-evaluation and undergo an external review by the association.

The school’s success in meeting the tough 12-point standards makes them a part of 2,800 schools and systems in 34 states and nearly 100 countries around the world which meet international education quality guidelines.

The school also created action plans to improve English and maths results, as well as a programme to use the school’s webpage to coordinate the school’s policies, procedures and essential information.

The school drew up a 1,550 page report for the association’s review team, in addition to other information and evidence of the work that carried out by the school.

The observers checked school operations, reviewed evidence and carried out interviews.

The external team made recommendations to the association, who voted on whether accreditation should be granted.

Comments from the visiting team included: “Rosemary Mathews, Joanne Anderson, and Neville Zuill as the Internal Coordinator co-chairs — without their commitment and organisation this self-study could not have been so meticulously completed.

“It is an example of what was seen throughout our visit in every aspect of the school and its operations.”

The observers also thanked the CedarBridge core leadership team, the planning team, the school improvement team and the accreditation committees for their “extraordinary effort in organising this self-study”.

The team said: “You are the chief cheerleaders and the chief nags who ensure the self-study stays in everyone’s minds and hearts.

“You deserve thanks from all of us for the excellent work you have done — and have committed to continue to do — as the CedarBridge Academy action plans are implemented.”

Association observers added: “We wish to thank the outstanding administrative team for their leadership, enthusiasm, and support of the teachers and children in their care. Not every school has leaders who are so well respected and who are champions of their divisions.

“We also wish to thank all of the school’s teachers and staff for welcoming us into your classrooms.

“We loved seeing you and your wonderful students in action which has made the written documents we are reading come alive.

“Thanks, too, to the whole staff for making time in your incredibly busy days to meet with us in the numerous interview sessions we conducted.”

The team singled out Leonard Santucci, chairman of the CedarBridge board of governors, and school principal Kalmar Richards for “the vision that she brings as the principal of this school”.

The association team said: “She has brought together a talented and cohesive faculty — many of whom were assigned to CedarBridge by the ministry — and she has enhanced the reputation of CedarBridge during her tenure.

“Comments from parents were universally positive about Principal Richards and her leadership. “She is visible, accessible, calm, and honest.” “The passion of the principal drives the school.”

The news was today announced in the House of Assembly by Diallo Rabain, Minister of Education.

The new accreditation will run for seven years up to the end of 2024.

• To read Mr Rabain’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”