RISE Academy is accredited by Cognia and meets all the criteria for educational quality established by Cognia.
R.I.S.E. Academy earned the maximum accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges for grades Kindergarten through 9th. We would like to thank every member of R.I.S.E. Academy and the R.I.S.E. Center who was instrumental in making this happen. Please see the comments below made by the WASC Initial Visiting Committee.
“The Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) announces the action taken at the Summer 2015 Commission Meeting. The ACS WASC Commissioners have determined R.I.S.E. Academy meets the ACS WASC criteria for accreditation. This accreditation status is based on all of the information provided by the school, including the initial visit report, and the satisfactory completion of the on-site initial accreditation visit. It is the decision of the Commission to grant R.I.S.E. Academy (grades Kindergarten through 9th) Initial Accreditation Status.“
WASC Initial Visit Committee
Visiting Committee Comments:
Schoolwide Areas of Strength
1. The school is commended for its growth towards academic excellence.
2. The school is commended for its positive, warm and spiritual atmosphere for families, teachers and parents.
3. The school is commended for involvement of all stakeholders in planning and implementing their vision.
4. The school is commended for its innovative outdoor education program.
5. The school is commended for its support of students who have struggled in school.
6. The school is commended for a parent body that understands and is committed to the mission of the school, extremely engaged in all aspects of the life of the school, and very supportive of the school and its personnel.
Critical Areas for Follow-Up
1. It is recommended that the school seek greater financial stability so as to not be as dependent on the support of the SABA Islamic Guidance Center and have the ability to increase teacher salaries to attract and retain qualified teachers and facilitate the hiring of support personnel.
2. It is recommended that the school strengthen academic support for students who have not reached academic benchmarks.
3. It is recommended that the school build a full curriculum for all grades, particularly those grades that have not been established (8, 10-12).
4. It is recommended that the school support teachers through increased salaries and professional development, including teacher credentialing.
5. It is recommended that the school acquire or build a new school campus that will accommodate the increasing number of students and grades levels and can be designed to better support the programs of the school.
6. It is recommended that the school plan and execute a dedicated science lab with a science resource teacher who will serve all the classrooms.
7. It is recommended that the school change their school audit policy to include an external audit.