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Country Day School Guanacaste is accredited in the U.S. through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, based in Philadelphia, PA. In the U.S. six regional associations accredit all public and private schools and universities in the U.S. plus American Schools abroad. We chose to affiliate with the Middle States Association for our accreditation because of their experience in working with international schools throughout the world and for their flexible and high standards. Our initial accreditation was approved after a visit from a MSA team in the spring of 2004. Our current accreditation is scheduled for renewal in 2011. Both campuses of Country Day in Costa Rica were accredited through the same process by MSA but have distinct goals appropriate for each campus.
CDSG follows the “accreditation for growth (AFG)” protocol of MSA, which bases the measurement of school improvement on a strategic planning model. In 2004 CDSG engaged in an extensive strategic planning project with the participation of parents, students, faculty, and administration. Three goals were identified and monitoring committees were established to check progress on an annual basis. Progress is measured through testing, documented reports of improvement and growth, and other measurable data.
The three areas are
- Development of the Whole Child
- Development of the Boarding Program (residential life)
- Development of Optimal Growth in Enrollment
Development of the Whole Child
“By the year 2009 CDSG student will be well balanced, independent, creative thinking, confident, healthy, and contributing citizens of the global community, as measured by: standardized test score improvements, improvements on the student aspirations survey, and other objective measurement.”
This is the most important objective in terms of accreditation expectations.
Development of the Boarding Program
“By the year 2009, the CDSG boarding program will provide quality academic and experiential education that offers a diverse co-curricular program and embraces shared community values such as integrity, responsibility, and compassion, in a safe and supportive residential environment.”
Development of Optimal Growth and Enrollment
“By the year 2009, CDSG will achieve and maintain the optimum enrollment that ensures excellence in a balanced program as well as economic viability.”
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