HIGH SCHOOL MIDDLE STATES VISIT
A SUCCESS
W
hen the Middle
States Association
Commissions on
Elementary and
Secondary Schools asked evaluator
Jeff Suzik, Ph.D., if he would visit
Fox Chapel Area High School to
conduct an evaluation, he said
“yes” right away. “I’ve known and
admired this district for a long time.
The school’s stellar reputation for
excellence precedes it,” he said.
Dr. Suzik, the director of the Falk
Laboratory School at the University
of Pittsburgh, was not disappointed
when he was able to see, firsthand,
the inner workings of the high
school. “Our experience here has
been rich and rewarding,” he said
on behalf of the evaluating team at
the conclusion of the visit. “There
are good people here who care and
seek the best for the students that
they serve.”
Middle States visitor Clayton Petry observed a technology education class during the visit.
Prior to the March visit, a team of
high school employees worked for
16 months to conduct an intensive self-study to prepare for
Dr. Suzik told the faculty. “The students couldn’t say enough
the voluntary accreditation. This process, which is developed
about how supportive the teachers are.”
and organized by the Middle States Commission on Secondary
The visiting team complimented the high school on several
Schools, utilizes 12 standards covering every aspect of
areas, including:
the high school, including facilities, finances, educational
• The breadth and depth of the curriculum, which enables
programs, student life and activities, leadership, and staff. The
students to “do and become just about anything.”
Fox Chapel Area High School planning team consisted of
Program Principal Dan Lentz, Ph.D.; teachers John Broderick
• The use of tried-and-true teaching practices, as well as more
and Michele Fischer; and librarian Laura Ward.
modern approaches.
During the four-day visit, Middle States evaluators examined
the accreditation application; reviewed the action plans;
interviewed students, parents, and staff members; toured the
school; and provided valuable feedback. • The support of students with various needs.
Although the high school will not receive official word until
the fall, the visiting team reported that the school meets all
12 standards and that it would be recommending that the
Middle States grant the school full reaccreditation for the next
seven years. • A high-functioning leadership team that is “caring,
committed, and intentional” with a strong vision and
goal‑setting, and engages teachers in decision-making.
According to Dr. Lentz, “The site visit was a tremendous
opportunity for us to showcase all that is Fox Chapel Area
High School, and how proud we are of our students and their
achievements.”
During the report to the faculty at the conclusion of the visit,
Dr. Suzik said, “This is a special place.” He pointed out that
the student tour guides were “great ambassadors and shared
their enthusiasm. You have students who absolutely love
this school, love this community, and love so many of you,”
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FOX CHAPEL AREA
• The school being an interdependent and an inclusive
community accepting of all.
The high school counseling, music, and visual arts
departments are also going through reaccreditation and have
completed the self-study process and had visitors in recent
months. In 2015, the high school was the first accredited
school to be recognized for Programs of Distinction in Visual
Arts by the Middle States Association. In 2012, the high
school music department was the first public school to receive
Exemplary Educational Program Credentials. Also in 2012,
the high school counseling department was the first ever in the
history of Middle States to receive the Exemplary Educational
Program designation. Formal word on these accreditations
should also come in the fall.