Academy students and teachers are preparing for the upcoming accreditation visit the first week of March.

Accreditation is the process of ensuring that an institution is meeting the standards for the school in multiple areas, including governance, curriculum, finances, faculty development and facilities. The process involves a four-day visit from an accreditation team of educators and a process of self-study since the last accreditation, documented in a written report.

Sacred Hearts Academy goes through a triple-accreditation during the visit. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) and the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA).

Since the Academy’s last accreditation in 2008, the Academy has been working on recommendations made by the last visiting team. Numerous changes since then have included curriculum updates, facility improvements, such as the new Student Center and renovated gym, and much more.

This year’s accreditation team is composed of Chair Gregory Dhuyvetter from California, Betsey Gunderson from St. Anthony Junior-Senior High School on Maui, Christine Loomis from Maryknoll School, Chase Mitsuda from Punahou School, Karen Neitzel from Iolani School and Joanne Swearingen from the Department of Education.

Head of School, Betty White, expressed her anticipation and excitement for process.

“We are prepared! We are just now trying to get ‘our house’ cleaned and ready for company much like you do at home before guests arrive,” White said. “We are convinced that there are many good things happening at Sacred Hearts, and we invite students to help us make these things visible.”