Southern University Lab earns SACS accreditation

The Southern University Laboratory School has been awarded continuing accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI).

The school received the all-important accreditation at the recent AdvanceED Accreditation Commission meeting.

SACS is one of the six regional accreditation organizations recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The agency accredits over 13,000 public and private educational institutions ranging from pre-school to college level in the southern United States.

To earn the five-year term accreditation, schools must meet SACS CASI's high standards, be evaluated by a team of professionals from outside the school and implement a continuous process of school improvement. 

SU Laboratory School Director Dr. Ronnie Harrison said, "With the continuous increase in student enrollment, coupled with SACS re-accreditation, this is even more proof that the Lab School is taking positive steps forward to offer a quality education for our students. Also, it validates that Southern Lab instructors are using effective teaching strategies in the delivery of instruction to our students."

Agreeing with Harrison, Dr. Verjanis Peoples, executive vice chancellor at Southern University said, "The SACS stamp of accreditation validates that SU Lab School is high quality with reputable programs and highly competitive students, faculty and staff."

Southern University oversees the operation of the Lab 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, said, "SACS CASI accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school on the primary goal of creating lifelong learners.  Southern Lab is to be commended for engaging in this process and demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement."

Parents and interested community members can learn more about accreditation at www.advanc-ed.org.