Amidst Many Plaudits, Salem High School Upholds NEASC Accreditation
SHS commended for learning culture, professional practices, support and resources
SALEM (Feb. 15, 2023) – Lauded for its commitment to student support, community and shared vision among leadership, Salem High School earned continued accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the District announced on Wednesday.
The High School met each of the standards set by NEASC, which include:
- Learning Culture: providing a socially and emotionally safe environment for students and adults; and access to core values, vision and philosophy of learning.
- Student Learning: Written curriculum in consistent format for all courses in all departments.
- Professional Practices: Having a current, consistent improvement plan as well as an advisory board and review process for all career technical education programs.
- Learning Support: Intervention strategies to support all learners.
- Learning Resources: Physically safe environment for students and adults and a site that delivers curriculum, programs and services.
“We are proud of Salem High School’s efforts to uphold the state’s highest standards for the secondary school experience,” said Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike. “The NEASC accreditation process is rigorous, thoughtful and reflective such that it celebrates strengths and offers opportunities for continued improvement. We appreciate the extensive time, energy and preparation on the part of our high school staff, students and families to showcase what our schools offer.”
The many accolades detailed in the NEASC report mirrored the four core priorities of the Salem Public Schools 2023-26 Strategic Plan: to elevate learning, empower educators, center belonging and strengthen the District’s foundation.
Specifically, the report cited SHS’s commitment to student support services and the “strong sense of community and belonging,” as well as the strong adult presence and interaction with students outside the classroom throughout the school day.
Additionally, factors such as the commitment to consistent professional development of educators and the “shared vision of the school committee, district office and building-based leadership team” were highlighted in the NEASC report.
“On behalf of the City and our entire school community, I want to extend our congratulations to the Salem High School educators, students, and families who have made this significant accomplishment possible,” said Mayor Dominick Pangallo, who chairs the Salem School Committee. “Salem High School has set a high bar for rigorous instruction and learning, college and career readiness, and supportive programs and services to ensure all our students have the opportunity to succeed. Achieving the NEASC accreditation is a major milestone for Salem High School and a recognition for which I hope every member of the SHS community feels enormous pride.”
Also notable among the many plaudits was the High School’s Career Technical Education program, which was cited for its expansive pathways, curriculum and physical space. The CTE program currently offers 10 pathways ranging from its Early Child Care program to Medical Assisting and Culinary Arts.
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are all passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens we view all of our work through. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff serve all of our students, regardless of ability or language. Salem Public Schools enrolls approximately 4,000 students across its eleven schools.
