After almost two years of hard work and preparation, St. John’s completed the self study for Accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). This stage of the process culminated with a visit by WASC representatives from Sunday, February 22 through Tuesday, February 24. This Visiting Committee was made up of an educational consultant from San Francisco, a principal from Roseville, and an English teacher from Fremont.  At the conclusion of their visit, during which they observed classes and met with students, teachers, administrators, parents, Board members, and the Churchwarden of Holy Vigin Cathedral, they reported their findings. Below are what they listed as Schoolwide Areas of Strengths:

1. School based on Orthodox values
2. Classical curriculum based on the pre 1918 Russian lyceum
3. High expectations for student academic achievement
4. Caring, capable, knowledgeable teachers
5. Dynamic, visionary, participating founders
6. Individualized and differentiated instruction in small classes
7. Students dedicated to Orthodox values and high academic achievement
8. Immediate reciprocal interaction
9. Challenging and flexible personalized curriculum
10. Strong and effective administrative staff
11. Seven Advanced Placement Classes
12. Supportive parents committed to the school program
13. Safe, healthy school campus
14. Coherent academic and behavior policies clearly communicated to
students and parents
15. A wide range of personalized support services
16. Seamless extended curriculum of field trips and service opportunities
17. Cathedral parish community actively supportive of the goals of the
school
18. On-going two-way communication between the school and parents
19. Student self-confidence developed from St. John’s overall program
20. Single track college prep program where 100% of graduates are
accepted into institutes of higher education.

The WASC Commission notified us on May 27th that St. John’s Academy was granted a six-year term of accreditation as of June, 2009.

We would like to thank all of the Board Members, Teachers, Parents (and Grandparents) and High School students who helped in this process and who made such a good impression on the Visiting Committee. One of the WASC representatives said that he saw true Christianity, “Christ in the cafeteria,” with the children helping each other and being Orthodox Christians.

Through the prayers of St. John of San Francisco, our heavenly
intercessor, may we continue successfully to teach all children coming
to St. John’s Academy.