This past week I received a letter from the accreditation commission announcing that we now are officially fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) for a regular five-year term, ending December 31, 2021. Included with the letter was the remark that the regional accrediting commission of AdvancED was notified of the ACSI decision, and that body will finalize their determination in December (a formality), which will result in our having dual accreditation at that time. This is very good news!
Accreditation may be unclear to some of our parents, so I have an article about it discussing the process and the benefits involved. In short, accreditation status provides families a measure of assurance concerning Westlake’s program, that it is recognized and being assessed for standards, performance, integrity, and quality. This was a rigorous process over the past 2-3 years, and it puts in place a continuous program of internal and external review with an eye toward improvement in all areas.
Let me now present a challenge which has grown out of our commitment to shared values, specifically that we value a diverse student body. No doubt you are aware that, in order to make the Westlake experience available to as many Christian families as possible, regardless of socio-economic standing, we have a generous tuition assistance program. That program is funded in large part through the gifts which come in during our annual Tuition Assistance campaign, something you will hear about shortly from our development office. This year we experienced an unusual increase in the amount of assistance we have had to award to needy families. While we rejoice in every student God sends our way, this increase has resulted in a significant burden to our budget, the acute impact of which is being felt earlier than we anticipated.
I am asking our entire school family to keep this matter before the Lord, praying that our additional needs will be met. He has been faithful to this ministry in the past, so we must believe in His goodness to us now as well. While you are praying, consider what He might lay upon your heart to contribute as well. It has been some time since I have approached our families specifically about our financial need, and it is critical right now.
Westlake is a strong, vibrant ministry doing vital kingdom work. Thank you for your continued support in every way: prayer, tuition, donations, promotion in your community, and volunteering. We are all working together for Him.
Blessings,
Michael Healan, EdD
Administrator
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