In March 2009, representatives from Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the associations that jointly accredit independent secondary schools in Hawai‘i, thoroughly evaluated PBA. They observed every class, studied evidence of student performance, and interviewed small groups of students, parents, faculty, staff and trustees. At the conclusion of their visit, they presented a final accreditation report listing 8 recommendations and 18 commendations, an unusually high number for any school.

In May 2009, PBA received its accreditation from HAIS and WASC for a term of six years with a mid-term visit to be completed in spring 2012. The accreditation lasts until June 30, 2015.

Accreditation benefits all constituencies of the school. According to HAIS, “In particular, it assures a school community that the school’s purposes are appropriate and being achieved through a viable educational program. It validates the integrity of the school’s program and attest to the quality of its graduates. Accreditation is also a way to manage change through regular, periodic assessment, which leads to a planning process requiring on-going reassessment.”

READ an overview of the accreditation process on the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools website.

READ the letter announcing the WASC accreditation decision.

READ the letter announcing the HAIS accreditation decision.

READ the WASC/HAIS Visiting Committee’s full Final Report.