After a thorough review of its programs and practices by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Hilmar High School has been awarded a full six-year term of accreditation, the longest available. 

“The length of the accreditation serves as formal and public recognition that Hilmar High School has met rigorous, research-based standards in all of the following areas, which reflect the essential elements of a quality and effective school,” said Hilmar High School Principal Bret Theodozio.

Hilmar was praised for its organization, vision and purpose, curriculum, instruction and assessment and accountability for teachers and staff. In addition, it received high marks for support of student academic and personal growth.

The accreditation reflects Hilmar High School’s demonstrated commitment and capacity to make continuous improvement and a strong correlation to existing student achievement results and growth and current programmatic and operational actions.  A six-year WASC Accreditation validates the integrity of Hilmar High’s academic programs and student transcripts.

The WASC accreditation process begins with a year-long self-evaluation of programs and curriculum, which is then reported to WASC. In a matter of weeks a WASC committee comes to the school and conducts an external examination of school programs and interviews school stakeholders such as students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members.

The school is then given a stamp of approval for a given amount of time, the longer the better.

According to Theodozio, Hilmar received zero negative marks.

“We need to continue to look at how our teachers are interacting and instructing our students. We are looking to improve our offerings in Advanced Placement and honors classes,” he said. “We are very happy with this accomplishment but we still have work to do.”

In three years Hilmar will submit an informal self-evaluation to WASC.

“Hilmar High School would like to thank all of our stakeholders for their contribution to the accreditation process.  We look forward to continued success serving the community of Hilmar,” said Theodozio.

Further information about accreditation may be found on the WASC website: http://www.acswasc.org/

To contact Jonathan McCorkell, e-mail jmccorkell@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2015.