Nazareth Academy Grade School has been fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) since 1981. The primary purpose of the accreditation process is to affirm educational excellence while promoting continuous school improvement. This is achieved through a thorough self-evaluation of all aspects of school operations, followed by an external review from impartial professional peers who assess the school’s effectiveness and strategic vision.
MSA-CESS is a globally respected leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 125 years, it has supported educational institutions in setting goals, developing strategic plans, fostering professional growth, and advancing student achievement. With more than 2,500 accredited schools and school systems across 34 U.S. states and 100 countries, MSA-CESS remains committed to its mission of improving education in a changing world.
As with all MSA-accredited institutions, Nazareth Academy Grade School is centered on the success of its students. Its educational philosophy focuses on the development of the whole child—spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and socially—with strong emphasis on academic achievement. As a Catholic school, Nazareth remains deeply rooted in its commitment to authentic Catholic values and faith formation.
About Accreditation
Excellence by Design is the self-study and accreditation protocol used by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). This strategic planning-based process helps schools like Nazareth Academy Grade School set clear objectives for growth and improvement in both student performance and the school’s overall capacity to foster that growth. The protocol also ensures continuous evaluation of programs, services, and student outcomes, while actively engaging a broad range of stakeholders in shaping the future of the institution. msa-cess.org
Unlike processes that focus solely on test scores, Middle States evaluates the entire school—its mission, programs, operations, and culture—emphasizing that true student success requires a comprehensive, school-wide approach. Nazareth Academy Grade School proudly participates in this rigorous process as part of its commitment to excellence. Accreditation through MSA-CESS not only affirms the quality of our academic environment, but also strengthens strategic planning, curriculum development, and faculty collaboration.
The 12 key areas that comprise the Standards for Accreditation include:
Mission
Governance and Leadership
School Improvement Planning
Finances
Facilities
School Organization and Staff
Health and Safety
Educational Program
Assessment and Evidence of Student Learning
Student Services
Student Life and Activities
Information Resources
With the support of the Middle States Association, we remain committed to setting meaningful goals, fostering professional growth, and advancing student achievement in alignment with our mission.
With more than 2,500 accredited schools and school systems in 34 states and over 100 countries, MSA-CESS is proud of its continuing legacy and its ongoing innovations to meet the challenges of improving education in the 21st century. Leading schools are those schools that are achieving high levels of student performance, have an excellent understanding of the necessary antecedents for those results, and are likely to continue achieving those high results over time.