When we think of what it means to be a "quality" school, standards come to mind as a way to gauge the criteria for determining quality. All schools, private and public, operate under a set of agreed-upon standards that identify the expectations for every part of a school system--from mission and governance to finances and facilities. In the universe of schools, the accreditation process is the fundamental belief of continual school improvement, based on standards, that requires a school communityʻs analysis of and reflection on data and evidence around teaching and learning. The goal of this intensive process is to focus on the key strengths and opportunities for improvement to provide students the best possible educational experiences that connect to living in the local and global community.

This is the self-study process Mid-Pacific has undertaken for about 18 months since the last accreditation in 2015. And while it is a process, perhaps journey more aptly describes the cyclical nature of self-studies, anywhere from 3 to 7 years, towards continual improvement. Hawaiiʻs independent schools fall under accreditation process established by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools (WASC-HAIS). Drawing from a data dashboard (e.g., enrollment, tuition, annual fund, personnel), documents, interviews, surveys, and observations, school personnel and community members have participated in discussions that have identified Mid-Pacificʻs strengths and addressed areas needing improvement.

The self-study, to be posted on the schoolʻs website, has been reviewed and analyzed by a six-member team of educators from Hawaiʻi schools and California. Beginning November 5th, the Visiting Committee will be meeting with various groups representing the Board, administration, faculty, staff, students, parents with regard to specific chapters in the self-study (there are 16 chapters). Committee members will also be visiting as many classrooms as possible.

The school community is invited to attend the reading of the Visiting Committeeʻs key findings about Mid-Pacificʻs key strengths and key opportunities for continual improvement, November 9th, 3:15-4:00pm, in Bakken Auditorium. While the goal is to receive a full 7-year term of accreditation, there are larger goals. My hope is that the Committeeʻs findings coincide with the schoolʻs analyses and reflection, that we have done due diligence to the self-study process and have charted for ourselves a road map to achieving Aspirations 2035. We will receive official notification of Mid-Pacificʻs accreditation term after the Accreditation Commission meets in the spring.

A self-study journey, when done right, brings a community together to understand and appreciate the complexity of school as a network of many related parts. I can say with honor and pride that Mid-Pacific has the resolve and commitment to achieve its aspirations, keeping the student at the center of all decision making.

E Kūlia Kākou! Letʻs strive and aspire together!

For our children,

Edna L. Hussey, Ed.D.

Principal