West Side High School Earns Middle States Accreditation
Newark, NJ — West Side High School has earned accreditation by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), a worldwide leader in accreditation and continuous school improvement.
“Middle States accreditation serves as an independent validation of the good work we do, and the accreditation process focuses our attention on continuous growth and improvement,” said Principal Cook. “We are proud to have earned accreditation and to join the Middle States network. We look forward to continuing to work with our administrators, teachers, parents, and our entire school community to provide high-quality education for all students.”
The accreditation process begins with a self-study that is conducted by the school or school system and requires input from school leaders, teachers, parents, and students. Following the self-study, a team of volunteer educators from Middle States member schools conducts a peer review.
The visiting team makes its recommendation to the Middle States Association Commissions, which votes on the accreditation.
“The Middle States accreditation process advances school evolution,” said Christian Talbot, president of MSA-CESS. “Middle States accredited schools are part of a powerful network of innovative and skilled educators from around the globe committed to preparing students to contribute to the common good, to be purposeful citizens, and to live fulfilling lives.”
West Side High School’s Vision
From the moment our students enter West Side High School’s doors, and until they are gainfully employed making a living wage, we will be by their side!
The mission of West Side High School is to embody Relationships, Innovation, and Passion. When relationships are built, it creates a collaborative network of people who foster a safe, nurturing, and positive community to achieve common goals. Innovation develops a revolutionary and solution-oriented community that creatively removes barriers to achieve success. Passion drives people to be successful and excited about the work they are engaging in. Passion cultivates intrinsic motivation. When there is connectedness and collaboration through strong relationships, there is opportunity and space for innovation and passion that support student success from all stakeholders.
Our Core Values is the acronym for L.O.V.E. L is for Leadership, as we build leaders. O is for Optimistic, V is for Victorious, we are not victims. E is for Extraordinary, we strive to go above and beyond. As a school of Business and Finance, we pride ourselves on our CTE Pathways: Cosmetology, Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurial Studies, and Manufacturing Engineering. We are creating entrepreneurs and business minded scholars who have a plethora of opportunities here at West Side and through our many partnerships. In addition to our pathways, we offer a Dual Enrollment program where students graduate with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration as well as a high school diploma.
Superintendent León and President Council congratulates and commends the administration, staff, parents and students at West Side High School for this incredible milestone.
About Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
Based in Philadelphia, the Middle States Association is the worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. Since 1887, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development, and advance student achievement. With more than 2,700 accredited schools and school systems in nearly 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in over 110 countries, Middle States is proud of its continuing legacy and its ongoing innovations to meet the challenges of improving education in the 21st century. For more information visit www.msa-cess.org.