Accreditations

Middle States Association Accreditation

St. Joseph School has been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools for the past twenty years. Periodically, all accredited schools must submit to a formal study for the continuation of their accreditation. In October of 2009, the Middle States Association began their latest evaluation of our school with the visit of a Middle States team. In May, 2010, the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools presented St. Joseph School with its accreditation for another seven years. Our accreditation extends until May, 2017.

The Middle States Report notes that all educational standards had been met or exceeded. Furthermore, at the conclusion of the evaluation, the study team made several observations including: “The atmosphere at St. Joseph School is warm and inviting and Christ-like.” In addition, “The team experienced a school committed to progressing into the twenty-first century with strong purpose and determination to succeed. Classes were conducted in accordance with their stated project goal. Integration of SMART Board™ lessons at all levels of the curriculum provided the team with a glimpse of the quality and care with which the faculty and administration take in maintaining an excellent educational program while steadfastly adhering to their Catholic identity and mission. With such a standard of excellence, St. Joseph School is well equipped to meet the challenges of the future.” St. Joseph School’s continued accreditation was made possible through the generous support of all our stakeholders - faculty, parents, students, parish, and community.

Accreditation is the affirmation that a school provides a quality of education that the community has a right to expect and the education world endorses. Accreditation is a recognized means of demonstrating confidence in a school's performance and commitment to educational excellence.

“Star School” Designation

In 2010 St. Joseph School was once again recognized as a “Star School” by the Paterson Diocese. St. Joseph School received its first recognition in the year 2000 and then again in 2005. This select designation is bestowed upon a school on the "cutting edge", one that promotes high student achievement, and has an identifiable specialization addressing the needs of our students. To receive the Star School distinction, a school’s faculty must be engaged in continuing professional development. Furthermore, the school must demonstrate fiscal and administrative efficiency in the educational program. Most significantly, student results, school accomplishments, and collaborative efforts between the student body and parents, parish and community are fundamental factors in determining whether a school receives Star School designation. The Paterson Diocese commenced the Star School program in 1999 as a sign of its commitment to quality Catholic education.