Print Issue: August 1, 2002

The Donnellan School Receives Accreditation From The Southern Association Of Independent Schools

ATLANTA - The Donnellan School, an independent Catholic school within the Archdiocese of Atlanta, recently received full accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). "We are very proud of this achievement," said Gary Delneo, headmaster.

"Our school has worked very hard to earn this accreditation and I know our parents, students and faculty share my joy in this accomplishment."

The SAIS is an organization that exists to promote excellence in education through accreditation, professional development, technology planning and communications. The Donnellan School was already accredited under the Georgia Accrediting Commission.

In their report, SAIS noted the academic rigor of the school and stated, "The Donnellan School leadership has given careful thought to the academic strengths and needs of the student body, to the types of programs to meet those needs, and to the opinions of the parent body which it serves."

It was also noted that teachers at Donnellan are committed to continuous school improvement. The Personalized Learning Program (PLP) has allowed faculty members to promote an educational environment that responds promptly to the needs of individual students and allows them to benefit from the multiple opportunities for acceleration and support.

SAIS also reviewed the academic scores in each grade level and Donnellan consistently scored above the national norms in all grade levels. "It is refreshing to see the mission and belief statement reflected within every area of the school," said Edward Fox, chairman of the SAIS visiting committee.

Beginning with the 2002 school year, Donnellan will have a 9th grade and will add a grade each year until it has a full high school by the year 2005. This program will require four years of Latin. There will also be a Greek honors and a liberal arts track with a focus on modern languages, English, history and economics. All tracks will provide rigorous math and science courses and advanced placement opportunities.