Pope John Paul II Catholic School in Southern Pines earned accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), an accreditation division of AdvancED.

To earn accreditation, schools must meet SACS CASI standards, be evaluated by a team of professionals from outside the school and implement a continuous process of school improvement.

An accredited school adheres to high quality standards based on the latest research and successful professional practices.

"Earning accreditation demonstrates to our students, parents, parish and community that Pope John Paul II is focused on providing excellence in student education," said Dr. Rick Kruska, principal for Pope John Paul II. "Our school provides a learning environment which fosters character development and leadership skills taught by only licensed educators," he said.

The school was specifically commended on its acquisition, access and use of a wide array of instructional technology.

The SACS CASI committee also commended the school on its significant level of stakeholder involvement in school planning and overall operations.

"The staff was very proud that the accreditation team acknowledged our dedication to teaching the 21st century child," Kruska said. "While they were impressed that we have Smart Boards in all of our classrooms, they praised how the teachers and students actually use technology in daily lessons."

Parents who choose a school accredited by SACS CASI understand that the school is committed to raising student performance and are accountable for improving student learning on a continual basis.

"When Dr. Kruska was hired to be the principal ten short months ago, I knew he would put the school on the path to greatness," said the Rev. Msgr. Jeffrey A. Ingham. "He is committed to a Christ-centered education experience for our children, and will constantly evaluate ways to help our teachers and students excell in all aspects of the school."

SACS CASI accreditation is recognized across state lines, which not only eases the transfer process as students move from accredited school to accredited school but also assures parents that the school is meeting nationally accepted standards for quality and successful professional practice.

Dr. Mark Elgart, president/CEO of AdvancED, the parent organization of SACS CASI, stated, "SACS CASI accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school on the primary goal of creating lifelong learners.

"Pope John Paul II Catholic School is to be commended for engaging in this process and demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement."

The school has been recommended for a five- year accreditation term based on the SACS's review of the school's self study and their on-site visit.

SACS CASI accredits more than 13,000 schools and school systems throughout the United States and overseas.

Anyone wanting more information about Pope John Paul II Catholic School can visit www.jp2catholicschool.org. Parents and interested community members can learn more about accreditation at www.advanc-ed.org.