Preparing for Accreditation, Learning from our Peers

For three days during this past week, I was in Tallahassee as a co-chair for the Maclay School’s five-year Florida Council of Independent School (FCIS) accreditation visit. It was a wonderful experience and helpful preparation for Shorecrest’s accreditation visit, which will occur this March. 

Independent, non-public schools in Florida are accredited not by the state of Florida, but by FCIS, which is one of only 10 state associations in the U.S. whose accreditation process has been recognized by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). This process, which occurs every five years, includes an intensive self-study review, along with a visit by a team of peer educators from similar institutions. These educators have different areas of expertise and come from outside the school’s competitive market. FCIS accreditation is considered to be the seal of educational excellence for families seeking an independent school education.

Participation in the FCIS evaluation and accreditation process facilitates a school’s ability to establish and maintain the highest standards and best practices. For educators, participation as a member of an FCIS accreditation team provides invaluable professional development. The opportunity for a deep dive into the life of a non-competitor school provides insight and understanding about the strategy, day-to-day functioning and culture of a fellow FCIS school. 

Maclay School is similar in many ways to Shorecrest. Founded in 1968, it is the only PK3 - grade 12, co-ed, non-religious, independent school in Leon County and enrolls 1090 students in four school divisions. Its rigorous college preparatory program combines signature programs with nurturing and responsive classrooms. Many students are “lifers” with parents and other family members who count themselves as proud Maclay alumni. 

I saw Maclay students wearing uniforms similar to Shorecrest, with blue as the main color instead of green. I took notice of the Upper School’s dress code, and learned they have similar dress code challenges! I heard all about Homecoming Week dress-up themes and preparation for this week’s PSAT. I walked through Maclay’s carline during drop off and pick-up, where they encounter many similar complexities to our carline. I talked with teachers and administrators and learned that many of the joys and challenges they faced during COVID were similar to the experiences of Shorecrest. What sustains Maclay is their commitment to their mission, the pursuit of their strategic initiatives and their love of their students.  

I was impressed by Maclay’s student entrepreneurs who run a daily campus coffee shop. I was envious of the school’s 100-acre campus which has ample parking. I was intrigued by their newly renovated Center for Academic Excellence. 

Overall, I learned about excellence in teaching and learning the Maclay way, which was similar in many ways to the excellence we create at Shorecrest. This experience served as an inspiration for Shorecrest’s upcoming FCIS Accreditation visit and reminded me of the many outstanding FCIS colleague educators and schools who are so committed to their students. I look forward to hosting a visiting accreditation team at Shorecrest this coming spring and sharing the many accomplishments of our faculty, staff and students. 

All the best, 

Nancy