The Benefits of Reaccreditation: A Shared Commitment to Excellence

This Autumn, Dwight School Seoul successfully completed its IB, CIS, and NEASC reaccreditation visits, marking a significant milestone for our community. Reaccreditation is a rigorous process where external evaluators assess our school’s performance against internationally recognized standards in education, governance, and student wellbeing. It serves as both a quality assurance mechanism and a tool for continuous improvement. But beyond its technical aspects, reaccreditation is an opportunity to reflect on our shared values and celebrate the achievements of our students, staff, and families.

During their time with us, the visiting teams engaged deeply with our school community. They observed classrooms, met with staff members, and participated in conversations with parents, student representatives, and leadership teams. Their observations, shared in preliminary feedback, were overwhelmingly positive, showcasing what makes Dwight School Seoul a truly exceptional place to learn and grow.

Some of their comments included:

 “The strength of culture and community is an incredible asset to the school.”

 “There is a clear focus on pastoral care and student well-being.”

 “The learning environment exceeds expectations.”

Such affirmations are a testament to the dedication and talent of everyone involved. They highlight the thriving culture we’ve built—one that values holistic development, fosters meaningful connections, and places student wellbeing at its core. Our emphasis on pastoral care and student support received particular praise, underscoring our commitment to nurturing not only academic excellence but also emotional and social wellbeing.

Reaccreditation is not merely about maintaining standards; it’s about ensuring that those standards reflect our vision for education. It provides valuable insights into how we can further innovate and enhance our practices. While the visiting teams identified areas for continued development, as is natural in any evaluation, they found no urgent issues to address. This demonstrates the high quality of education and care provided at Dwight and assures parents of the strong foundation we’ve built.

For students, reaccreditation guarantees they are part of a globally recognized school, giving them access to opportunities worldwide and ensuring their learning experiences are of the highest caliber. For parents, it offers confidence that their children’s education is guided by thoughtful, strategic planning and delivered by exceptional educators. For staff, it reinforces a shared sense of purpose, providing feedback that fosters professional growth and validates their hard work.

The reaccreditation process also deepens our connection as a community. It relies on collaboration and open dialogue, bringing together voices from across the school. This year, the involvement of parents played a crucial role, and their insights were invaluable. We extend heartfelt thanks to those who shared their experiences and perspectives with the visiting teams, contributing to the success of the process.

As we await the final report, which we will share in due course, we celebrate this moment as a testament to our community’s collective effort. Reaccreditation is not just a requirement—it is an opportunity to grow, innovate, and reflect on our mission to ignite the spark of genius in every child. Together, we continue to shape Dwight School Seoul into a thriving, world-class learning environment where everyone can shine.

Warm Regards, Tom Ferguson Head of School