Through the late fall and winter of the 2004-05 school year the administration of Franklin Academy focused on the future of the school and developed a concise strategic plan that targeted five ambitious goals to be achieved over the next five years.  One of the most important objectives that we identified was to earn accredited status with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) at the earliest possible moment.

Founded almost 125 years ago, NEASC is the oldest of the six regional accrediting associations across the country.  The mission of NEASC "is the establishment and maintenance of high standards for all levels of education, from pre-K to the doctoral level," and its Independent School Commission works with 627 private schools in various stages of the accreditation process, including 175 schools in Connecticut. 

Why is accreditation so important for Franklin Academy?  Simply stated, accreditation equals quality assurance and improved education.  Accredited status verifies that the school has been subjected to a process of rigorous self-evaluation and peer review to ascertain that applicable standards affecting mission, governance and administration, finances, physical plant, professional staff, student population, programs, and quality of life are being met.  These standards benefit every student enrolled at Franklin Academy, including our graduates whose diplomas are enhanced by the NEASC seal of approval.

To begin this quest, Franklin Academy's headmaster contacted the Independent School Commission of NEASC in the spring of 2005.  The Director of the Commission met with the administration of the school to outline the accreditation process and to encourage Franklin Academy to apply to become a candidate for accreditation.  An application was submitted in early September of 2005, two administrators belonging to NEASC-accredited schools conducted a one-day site visit, and Franklin Academy was granted candidate status in December of 2005. 

Then, the hard work began.  Two of Franklin Academy's senior faculty members were recruited to serve as co-chairs of the institutional self-study, and every teacher was assigned to various subcommittees addressing the school's adherence to fifteen standards of excellence.  The school-wide self-study began during the late spring of 2006 and continued until early January of 2007.  Included in this self-study were comprehensive surveys of parents, students, and faculty.  A newly formed program committee reviewed recommendations coming out of the self-study, and a comprehensive action plan was developed to address continuing institutional needs.  The self-study and action plan, along with numerous supporting documents, were submitted in late February to NEASC, and the Independent School Commission assembled a seven-member visiting committee.

The visiting committee, chaired by the headmaster of South Kent School, spent four days on the Franklin Academy campus from March 25-28, 2007.  These professional educators met with parents and trustees, had extensive conversations with administrators and students, visited classes, and scrutinized every aspect of the school to make certain that our self-study accurately described how Franklin Academy carries out its mission.  The committee measured our school against the criteria of each standard and produced a comprehensive report for NEASC with a list of commendations and recommendations.

We received news of our accreditation by NEASC on June 28, 2007.  Beyond quality assurance, what does this accomplishment mean for our school?  First and foremost, Franklin Academy now joins the family of outstanding private schools throughout New England , adhering to a documented standard of excellence in every aspect of our operation.  It means that we are faithfully fulfilling our mission, enrolling students appropriate for our curriculum, and providing a safe and healthy environment.  It means that we have experienced administrators to lead the school forward, qualified faculty to serve our students, and sufficient resources to meet our commitments.  Accreditation brings additional benefits.  We anticipate that many more prospective students and their parents will take a closer look at Franklin Academy .  Families seeking financial support from their school district to help fund a Franklin education will be able to point to the NEASC endorsement.  Finally, college admissions officers will evaluate the applications of our seniors with greater confidence.

For more information about the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, please go to their website at  www.neasc.org.

Franklin Academy's formal notification from NEASC