Marymount of Santa Barbara was recently awarded the highest level of re-accreditation, seven years, from the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS).

“We feel ecstatic and proud of our amazing faculty and staff that made history for Marymount with this accreditation,” said Christina Broderick, head of school.

To achieve the honor, faculty and staff collaboratively completed a self-study report evaluating all aspects of their school based on CAIS’s 16 standards for excellence, which range from faculty and pedagogy, to climate and community.

The intensive process included an on-site visit by a team of educators in January, during which they assessed the effectiveness of the school as a whole in achieving its mission.

Marymount was given a detailed report from the CAIS visiting committee featuring feedback in the form of commendations and recommendations to help forge a thoughtful and strategic path ahead for the school.

“Our greatest strengths lie in the leadership of our community of faculty and administration to be a truly innovative and creative school for every student that comes to Marymount,” Broderick said. “Our growth as an academic institution willing to keep growing and learning alongside our students is our number one priority.”

As part of the cyclical accreditation process, Marymount is crafting its Future Planning document, which will weave together goals based on reflections from the self-study, recommendations from the visiting committee, and schoolwide strategic planning for the future.

Marymount will complete a progress report and receive a mid-cycle on-site visit from CAIS ensuring the school’s continued growth.

“We are excited to be working on the strategic planning for our future and look forward to meeting many new Marymount Mustangs in the days ahead,” Broderick said.

Marymount of Santa Barbara is an independent school for children from age 4 through grade 8 that places equal value on the intellectual, social-emotional, and ethical dimensions of learning. For more information, email info@marymountsb.org or call 805-569-1811 ext. 131.

— Jaime Nelson for Marymount of Santa Barbara.