TEN QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

From the NBA Board of Directors Regarding Accreditation

 

1.      What is accreditation?

Accreditation is recognition from an outside agency that New Bridge Academy is a quality organization because it works toward fulfilling its own mission and goals.

 

  1. New Bridge is already a quality school -- -- why seek accreditation?

Accreditation serves three main purposes.  It is an indication to the community that New Bridge Academy not only strives for excellence, but has achieved it and is committed to maintaining it.  Accreditation ensures that our school is constantly working at serving its students better.  Finally, when fully accredited by our chosen agency (ACSI), New Bridge Academy will meet the Virginia Department of Education statewide accreditation standards which guarantees transfer of private school credits to a public school, ensuring a smooth transition for our students into institutions of higher learning and/or other school systems.

 

  1. How will accreditation benefit New Bridge Academy? Accreditation will help our students ease their transitions to any colleges or universities that they might choose. Also, the process of accreditation requires forethought, exploration and explanation of who we are, what our vision is, how we plan to fulfill our mission and the efficacy of the methods and programs we choose to help us to accomplish them.   As we engage in this self-examination, we will discover both large and small ways to enhance our programs and improve our students’ overall experiences.

 

4.      Who is our accrediting agency?

We have chosen to become accredited through ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International).  ACSI is tailored to meet the needs of small Christian schools.  New Bridge Academy specifically chose ACSI accreditation because it is intentional about evaluation based on a school’s stated mission and Christian philosophy of education believing that:

•             Scripture is the revealed Word of God and is taught as truth

•             Every element of the curriculum is permeated with God’s Word

•             Every learning experience aims to engage students toward their full potential in Christ

•             The character of Christ is at the heart of a school’s character building program

 

  1. How long does it take to become accredited?

Accreditation is a cyclical process that we can continue as long as we desire to maintain ACSI’s official recognition of excellence. As for initial accreditation status, we are striving for a two-year candidacy beginning with the start of the 2008/09 school year.  We should be able to wrap up the self-study and get evaluated by the visiting committee during the second year—or sooner, if we’re ready. The visiting committee will report to the accrediting commission, who is responsible for granting us accredited status.  After the initial accreditation, New Bridge will be required to maintain its standards by performing reviews and self-analysis of its programs and services.

 

6.      Where are we right now (March 1, 2008)?

New Bridge Academy enrolled in the STAR (Steps To Achieving Recognition) Program with ACSI in December 2007.  In the STAR Program the Academy is guided through a formal process of school improvement that will lead NBA towards recognition and accreditation with ACSI.   There six major areas of completion within the STARS program and New Bridge is well upon it’s way to completing several areas.

 

 

7.      What are the next steps? 

Once New Bridge has completed the STAR program the next step would be to apply to ACSI for full accreditation review.  Due to ACSI restrictions regarding the Administrator’s tenure and total student enrollment, New Bridge may not be eligible to apply for accreditation until such guidelines are met (2009/10 school year).  Until such time, NBA will continue in the STAR program to ensure that each step is complete and contemporary to ensure a full accreditation review and acceptance.  Concurrently, New Bridge will operate as it is a fully ACSI accredited organization, meeting and exceeding all requirements necessary of an accredited private Christian school.

 

8.      How can parents/students/staff/community assist in the accreditation process? 

First, we ask that you pray earnestly for those who are doing the necessary work to meet each goal set in the STAR Program.  Prayer is essential to the success of all we do at NBA.  Second, as we move through these steps you will be asked to help in the process by supplying necessary information, students may also require more specific testing, and you patience will be a major key in helping us to achieve accreditation.  

 

9.      Will updates on the accreditation process be available?  

Most definitely!  The Board is reviewing multiple ways to keep our parents, staff, community, and students involved and informed regarding accreditation.  Be sure to keep a look out for memos, newsletters, and updates regarding accreditation status.   The school website, NewBridgeAcademy.org, is mostly likely the quickest and most current resource for locating accreditation information.

 

10.   Where can I find more information?

Check for updates regarding New Bridge Academy’s progress at NewBridgeAcademy.org.  You can find further information on the Virginia Department of Education’s standards at www.doe.virginia.gov/  More information regarding the Virginia Council for Private Education can be found at www.vcpe.org.  ACSI’s website can be accessed at www.acsi.org.