ETON EDITION Vol. 35 No. 6
April 2013
From the Head of School
Accreditation: The Value of an Objective Assessment It is already the middle of April, and in just a few short weeks, the joint team from the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools (PNAIS) and the American Montessori Society (AMS) will be here to participate in the last important step in our re‑accreditation process. This process began more than a year-and-a-half ago as Eton School embarked on the self-study process. The final document generated by that process is the product of thorough self-reflection that includes examination and evaluation of the school in the context of our mission and philosophy. The peer group review team is made up of ten educators from around the region and the country who will review every aspect of the school’s program and operations to ensure we are fulfilling our stated mission. The team will also meet with members of the various school constituencies over the four-day visit. The end product of that visit will be a comprehensive report that will include observations, commendations, recommendations, and suggestions designed to help Eton School move forward on a course of institutional improvement. Accreditation does, of course, also provide an element of assurance to parents and prospective parents that Eton School meets certain criteria developed by both PNAIS and AMS to demonstrate that we are delivering a quality education in a safe and nurturing environment. It also provides assurance to other schools that students coming to their school from Eton School are well prepared. Accreditation by PNAIS is backed by NAIS and its Commission on Accreditation. The Commission conducts an evaluation of the PNAIS accreditation procedures on a regular basis and ensures those procedures abide by the Criteria for Effective Independent School Accreditation Practices.
AMS accreditation provides an assurance that a school is authentically using Montessori practices, philosophy, and materials. While there are many schools that are members of AMS and Montessori in name, only about 10% of AMS member schools are actually accredited by AMS. The self-study and reaccreditation processes are a long and exhaustive experience. The faculty and staff of Eton School have been hard at work for more than 18 months, and I am sure you will see many signs of relief on their part as they spot that light at the end of the tunnel. You will also, however, see a certain amount of well-deserved pride. Dr. Russell Smith, Head of School
In This Issue Board Corner: New Member.................................... 2 Admission..................................................................... 3 Development................................................................ 4 Founder’s Day 2013..................................................... 5 Dual Accreditation..................................................... 6 Dining with Dads....................................................... 7 Class News.................................................................... 8 Student Activities..................................................... 16 From the Office.......................................................... 19
Eton School Newsletter