Founded in 1961, the Alcuin Montessori School in Oak Park recently carried its “rich history” forward by earning a new accreditation, according to Executive Director Gina Gleason.
Officials at Alcuin last month learned that the school received accreditation from the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).
While preparing for the seven-year accreditation process, Gleason said, the school was already following many of ISACS’ best practices, such as regularly surveying families.
A school visit by nine ISACS representatives and a 200-page self-study for the accreditation meant that Alcuin officials had to take an even closer look at what they were doing well while being open to suggestions.
"You really open yourself up to be vulnerable and say, 'This is everything that we do. How can we do it better,'" Gleason said. "I owe it to the students, to the families and to the staff that we're providing the best environment."
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Current and prospective families need to know that another governing body oversees and periodically reviews the school, Gleason said, adding how ISACS accredits independent schools that are both Montessori and non-Montessori.
Kellie Beumer, board president of Alcuin and a parent of the school, said the ISACS accreditation represents a top honor for independent schools.
"It's so rigorous and it’s not a rubber stamp but a process of collaboration,” Beumer said.
Alejandra Valera, director of advancement for Alcuin, said ISACS visitors noticed the cooperation between faculty and staff across grade levels.
"One of ISACS' commendations was we have such a good community within the staff," she said. "We all complement each other."
Gleason said areas for growth going forward include strengthening the school’s long-term planning process.
"It could be things like financial planning, a three-to-five-year plan for teachers, and budgeting for that,” she said.