Westview's Time to Shine

Westview's Time to Shine

ACHIEVING COGNIA’S HIGHEST DISTINCTION

The Westview School was named a 2024 Cognia School of Distinction. This prestigious honor recognizes Westview's unwavering commitment to educational excellence, demonstrating a high standard of quality across key areas such as teaching, learning, leadership, and school culture.

The honor was awarded following a rigorous accreditation process conducted by Cognia, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education worldwide. Cognia’s accreditation engagement reviews serve as a comprehensive measure of a school’s effectiveness, with only a select few institutions earning the distinguished title of "School of Distinction."

This year, out of 1,952 accreditation reviews, only 60 schools and systems achieved this distinction—41 of which were U.S.-based and 8 international. The Westview School is proud to stand among them, recognized for its excellence in providing a quality educational environment for students with autism.

This accolade serves as a shining example of The Westview School's commitment to its theme for the 2023–2024 school year: "Our Time to Shine." Throughout the year, the school community embraced the notion of shining brightly through hard work, resilience, and dedication to continuous improvement.

This recognition is a testament to our collective effort and marks a pivotal moment for Westview as we continue to shine as a beacon of excellence in education for children with autism in Houston.

Cognia’s rigorous review process involved a thorough evaluation of schools against its Performance Standards, which encompass essential components of a quality learning environment. The Westview School’s 2023–2024 accreditation results highlighted evidence of growth in student learning, a healthy and inclusive culture, engaging instructional environments, and effective leadership. These elements are at the core of what Cognia considers crucial for achieving and maintaining high-quality education standards.

Cognia President and CEO, Dr. Mark A. Elgart, expressed his congratulations to the 2024 Schools and Systems of Distinction, praising their ability to meet and exceed performance expectations. "These institutions are benchmarks of school quality in their commitment to continuous improvement," Dr. Elgart said. "We commend them for their outstanding efforts in fostering environments where students thrive."

The Path to Accreditation

Achieving Cognia accreditation, and maintaining it, is no small feat. The Westview School participated in a detailed evaluation process that included self-assessment, a review conducted by trained external evaluators, and an improvement phase. This feedback-driven process leads to continuous refinement and development, ensuring that the institution provides the best possible education for its students.

Westview’s program emphasizes individualized instruction, allowing students to progress at their own pace in a safe and encouraging atmosphere. Our commitment to building students’ confidence, independence, and social skills plays a pivotal role in ensuring their success not only during their time at the school but also as they transition to future opportunities.

Building a Culture of Growth and Support

At the heart of The Westview School's success is our focus on creating a nurturing culture where students are empowered to succeed. Specializing in serving children with autism, we integrate academic learning with social skills development, therapies, and personalized support. Teachers, therapists, and staff work collaboratively to create an environment where each student can excel both academically and socially.

Westview’s program emphasizes individualized instruction, allowing students to progress at their own pace in a safe and encouraging atmosphere. Our commitment to building students’ confidence, independence, and social skills plays a pivotal role in ensuring their success not only during their time at the school but also as they transition to future opportunities.

The Road Ahead

As a Cognia School of Distinction, The Westview School will carry this prestigious title for one year, but our commitment to continuous growth and improvement is unwavering. We will continue to utilize the results of our recent Cognia review to inform future improvements and further elevate the learning experiences of our students.

This recognition aligned perfectly with the theme of the 2023–2024 school year—"Our Time to Shine." As the school continues to shine brightly as a leader in special education, it remains dedicated to helping its students reach their full potential, lighting the way for future success.

The Westview School’s recognition as a School of Distinction is a testament to the dedication of our team, who tirelessly work to provide the best possible educational experience for students with autism. This accolade serves not only as recognition of their current achievements but also as an inspiration to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in education.

About COGNIA

Cognia is a global nonprofit improvement organization that provides accreditation, certification, and improvement services to schools and education providers worldwide. Serving over 40,000 institutions in 90 countries, Cognia is dedicated to advancing education and ensuring that schools meet the highest standards of educational excellence.

A Special Presentation

The Westview School's distinction was formally celebrated during an all-school assembly, where Mary Brinkman, Director of the Mountain Region for Cognia, attended in person to present the award. The students, staff, and leadership of the school were gathered for this special occasion, and Brinkman’s presence underscored the significance of the honor. She spoke to the school community about the importance of the achievement and praised The Westview School for its dedication to fostering an exceptional educational experience for its students. The assembly was a moment of shared pride for everyone involved and a fitting tribute to the year’s theme—"Our Time to Shine." It was a moment where the hard work and dedication of the entire school community truly shone through.