Saint Edward’s Lower School Receives a Special Commendation from Accreditation Visit

Last April, 12 senior educators from around the state visited Saint Edward’s School as part of a re-accreditation process. I am thrilled to report the FCIS Accreditation Commission thoroughly reviewed the comprehensive evaluation report and approved our status as continued accreditation for the maximum term of six more years. 

There were seven special commendations the team pointed out, ranging from our strong financial position, the warm and welcoming environment at Saint Edward’s, the faculty, staff and administration for living the School’s mission, the facilities team for the attractive and cleanliness of the campus, the Self Study Coordinator for her thoroughness in compiling an informative Self Study document and the Chief Financial Officer for her financial dexterity. 

The final special commendation reads, “The Visiting Team commends the Head of Lower School and her teachers for successfully implementing needed upgrades to curriculum and student life protocols since the last report (2018)."

I am highlighting the special commendation related to the Lower School. My reason is simple: to communicate what other educational professionals around Florida see happening in the Lower School at Saint Edward’s; the culture of constant improvement is alive and well.  We continue to look for ways to utilize best practices in education, using brain-based research and data to drive programmatic improvements. Secondly, I chose to highlight this commendation because some in our community question our reasoning for the need for programmatic improvements in the lower school program. Some think it was fine the way it was. However, the way we teach and learn has evolved from decades ago. Our children and the world that SES is preparing them to enter are different; technology has much to do with this. I realize that this commendation may not change the minds of those who disagree with some of the curricular changes made over the past three years; however, I hope that trust will be a byproduct of this accreditation finding. 

As parents of Saint Edward’s, you should be proud that our School has achieved the gold standard of another six-year accreditation. We will not rest on our laurels, and the work will continue.

Please join me in congratulating Saint Edward’s School, our Board, administration, faculty and staff for an outstanding evaluation. We are seen by the Florida Council of Independent Schools as a flagship institution, and I am proud of the work we are doing in service to our School and our students.

I look forward to seeing you around campus!

Stuart