Twentynine Palms High School is proud to announce that it has been granted a six-year accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
WASC is the agency responsible for accrediting public and private schools, colleges and universities in our western region. WASC accreditation is a voluntary process that institutions undergo to demonstrate they meet certain standards of quality and integrity in education. This accreditation is highly respected and can affect things like the transferability of credits, eligibility for federal financial aid and more.
This six-year accreditation, awarded after a rigorous evaluation process, is the highest accreditation status granted by WASC. It reaffirms TPHS's dedication to providing high-quality education and fostering student success. It acknowledges the school's adherence to rigorous standards, innovative teaching methods and comprehensive support systems that empower students to excel academically, socially and emotionally.
“This is the first time in my career TPHS has received the highest level of accreditation which goes out to less than 10 percent of the schools in California,” said TPHS Principal Mike Ruggiero. "We are thrilled to receive this accreditation, which reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire school community."
The WASC accreditation process involves a comprehensive self-study, peer review and evaluation by a team of experienced educators. It assesses various aspects of the school, including curriculum, instruction, student support services, leadership and school culture. WASC committee members visited the site in March to meet with students, staff members and families. During the visit they highlighted some strength of the site including its wide array of Career Technical Education pathways and its extensive dual enrollment program.
"A strong strength of TPHS is the offering of a range of elective courses including both AP and dual enrollment CTE courses that provide hands-on experiences and certifications directly translating classroom learning into real-world applications in a diverse array of career fields,” said the visiting committee members in their report.
Visiting committee members were even treated to a special dine-in service by the culinary arts and management program during their visit. The six-year WASC accreditation provides TPHS with validation of its educational programs and serves as a benchmark for ongoing improvement initiatives. It also assures students, parents and the community of the school's commitment to excellence.
"This achievement underscores our commitment to providing students with a supportive and enriching learning environment that prepares them for future success,” said MUSD Superintendent Dr. Patricio Vargas. “Congratulations TPHS on this outstanding achievement.”