An independent school serving students from infants and toddlers through kindergarten and then to 5th grade, Strelitz International Academy recently earned full accreditation from the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.
Founded in 1973, VAIS is the leader in advancing and advocating for independent school education in Virginia. The VAIS accreditation program is one of a select few recognized at the international level through the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation. VAIS also is recognized and approved by the Virginia Board of Education through the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE).
Strelitz International Academy was established in 1955 to provide exceptional education in Tidewater. As the first Primary Years International Baccalaureate (IB®) World School in the area, SIA offers a specialized curriculum that is both challenging and globally focused. The academy prioritizes inquiry-based learning to inspire and encourage students to explore within and beyond classroom walls. With a diverse student body and a dedication to building a rich, inclusive community, SIA works to nurture the next generation of compassionate and knowledgeable global citizens.
“Parents can be sure that when choosing a VAIS-accredited school for their children that the school has been through an intense period of self-reflection and evaluation which strengthens the entire institution,” says Betsy Hunroe, executive director of VAIS. The voluntary accreditation process is a rigorous undertaking involving a comprehensive self-study, including input from all school constituents. A team of peer evaluators from VAIS member schools spends several days on campus reviewing the self-study report, documentation, and curriculum, meeting with administrators, trustees, students, parents, and teachers, and observing campus life. The team concludes the in-depth visit with a detailed written assessment. The finalized report is then submitted for accreditation approval by the VAIS board of directors.
“At Strelitz International Academy, we take great pride in our commitment to excellence, and accreditation serves as validation of our ongoing efforts to maintain and exceed the highest standards of educational quality,” says Heather Moore, SIA head of school.
“Our VAIS visit presented an opportunity for us to showcase the exceptional work of our dedicated faculty, staff, and students. It was a chance for us to celebrate our achievements and reflect on areas for growth and improvement,” says Moore. “I encourage every member of our community to take pride in our collective accomplishments and to continue supporting our shared vision of educational excellence. Together, we will ensure that Strelitz International Academy remains a beacon of excellence in education, setting a standard that distinguishes us from others in the region.”
To learn more about SIA, visit https://strelitzinternationalacademy.org/. To learn more about VAIS accreditation and its member schools, visit www.vais.org.
Strelitz International Academy awarded prestigious VAIS Accreditation
