Mount Madonna School is fully accredited by the premier independent school accrediting bodies: California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The accreditation process reviews all aspects of the school’s programs and operations on an ongoing basis.

Why Accreditation?

• Certification to the public that the school is a trustworthy institution of learning
• Validates the integrity of a school’s program and student transcripts
• Provides assurance to colleges that our program meets learning standards
• Fosters improvement of the school’s programs and operations to support student learning
• Assures a school community that the school’s mission is being accomplished through a viable educational program
• A way to manage change through regular assessment, planning, implementing, monitoring and reassessment
• Assists a school/district in establishing its priority areas for improvement as a result of the perpetual accreditation cycle that includes:
  • School self-assessment of the current educational program for students
  • Insight and perspective from the visiting committee
  • Regular school staff assessment of progress through the intervening years between full self-studies.

We Are Accredited

Mount Madonna School (MMS) is pleased to share that the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Accrediting Commission for Schools, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) have granted MMS a seven-year accreditation with a mid-cycle visit.

“This achievement reflects the school’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of educational excellence, continuous improvement and dedication to our students’ success,” said Mount Madonna Head of School Ann Goewert. “This full accreditation is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of our students, parents, faculty, staff, administration, board of directors and trustees, in upholding Mount Madonna School’s mission and values.”

CAIS and ASC WASC establish a set of rigorous educational and operational standards for the pursuit of excellence in elementary and secondary education upon which private and independent day schools are measured. Therefore, CAIS and ASC WASC accreditation serves as recognition of the quality of Mount Madonna School’s education.

As part of a commitment to continuous improvement, Mount Madonna School’s trustees, board of directors and members of the administration are working on developing a Future Planning Document. The document incorporates institutional efforts to address the major recommendations from the accreditor’s visiting committee in order for MMS to be prepared for the mid-cycle visit.

The mid-cycle visit will serve as an opportunity to ensure that MMS remains on track with its goals for educational excellence and continuous improvement to meet CAIS and ASC WASC’s rigorous standards.

A Few Excerpts from Our Accrediting Team

“The MMS community remains deeply connected to its founding mission and members of all constituent groups speak deeply to the transformative educational experience that happens here each and every day for students and adults. We were struck by the resonance of the values when talking with students and adults, and they clearly fully embody the schools values. The generational connections that are so visible on campus speak to the lasting impact of the MMS experience. The MMS leadership should be applauded for creating regular time and space, including during opening meetings each year, to review the mission and clarify how it shapes the educational experience and decision making. The Head of the School, Board of Directors, parents, staff, and faculty have sustained an atmosphere of mutuality, respect, understanding, and joyfulness by providing a familial intimacy with the active presence of parent involvement in the day-to-day operations of the school.”

“The school culture and values are palpable in every interaction between community members. There are several long-standing traditions ranging from the annual events like the all-school production of Ramayana and Learning Journeys to smaller practices like the Ocean Breath and the Sing Out. These signature programs serve as unifying cultural touchstones and infuse the whole community with a sense of belonging.

The school is sustained by the passion and loyalty of its faculty, staff, administrators, and board of directors, as well as, the thoughtful and caring students and families. Employee retention and their willingness to go above and beyond speak to their unwavering dedication to the school and its values. This dedication enhances the student’s lived experience. Students are known, supported, and accepted to be their full selves.

The school’s commitment to experiential learning is embedded into every level of the program, beginning with hikes around campus to the culminating trip to India. The robust outdoor education program, Learning Journeys, and garden programming, and the recent introduction of the capstone project encourage students to recognize their place in the community and within the world.”