Canadian accreditors inspecting Saltus Grammar School were “very impressed with the total school environment”, according to Head of School Ted Staunton.

Although the school has not seen the full report, the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools Accreditation Committee (CAIS), which has just finished its inspection, has confirmed that Saltus was re-accredited.

“No doubt, the report will contain numerous recommendations and suggestions to improve the school, but overall, the visiting committee was very impressed with the total school environment,” said Mr. Staunton.

He said the committee members met with every Saltus employee and with diverse groups of parents, students, alumni, faculty, staff and trustees.

“I cannot speak for the committee, but the Chair and On-Site Coordinator frequently mentioned the happiness, vitality and decorum of the student body,” added Mr Staunton.

“I have mentioned this to all Secondary and Upper Primary students at their assemblies. Their friendliness left a lasting impression on the CAIS Visiting Committee.”

The CAIS website says it is a “community of independent schools; we explore and pursue exemplary leadership, training, research and international standards of educational excellence”.

The website adds: “CAIS Accreditation drives each school to be accountable to all of its constituents, to be more intentional in its practices, and to constantly strive for excellence.

“The CAIS accreditation process is designed to achieve the dual purpose of accountability and school improvement — holding schools accountable to the highest national standards while guiding them through a continuous whole school improvement process, which combines both an internal self-evaluation and an external peer review.”

Accreditation of a school by CAIS indicates that it meets or exceeds the 12 National Standards: Mission, Vision, Values and Strategy; Co-Curriculum and the Learning Environment; Academic Programme; School Leadership; Human Resources; School and Community; Enrolment Management; Governance; Finance; Physical Plant, Health and Safety, Commitment to School Improvement and Boarding, if applicable.