Salem Academy Earns SAIS Accreditation for Another Five Years
Winston-Salem, NC (April 1, 2024) – The Southern Association of Independent Schools, or SAIS, recently reaffirmed Salem Academy’s accreditation for an additional five years.
SAIS is an accreditation organization designed specifically for independent schools to evaluate stringent compliance standards and requirements that competitively set schools apart from their peer organizations.
After a months-long accreditation review process, SAIS deemed Salem Academy, an all-girls college preparatory school, to have successfully met all quality standards. Evaluated by an outside group of peer professionals, SAIS concluded Salem Academy implemented a school plan focused on strategic improvement and student performance in accordance with the school’s mission which is to foster compassionate and creative leaders, prepared for college and life who will chart their paths with character, curiosity, and courage.
“SAIS approval represents more than just the reaccreditation of Salem Academy; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. This is our first accreditation review after proudly embracing our renewed focus on STEAM and Wellness. We recognize these pillars as crucial facets in shaping well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in the modern world,” Salem Academy’s Head of School Kris Porazzi Sorrells said.
“Moreover, our dedication to empowering young women shines through, as evidenced by our continued strong emphasis on all-girls education, fortifying our position as pioneers in preparing girls for the challenges and opportunities ahead,” she added.
In February, a team representing SAIS conducted an on-site visit to review Salem Academy’s self-study review, standards compliance, and adherence to its mission. The team was comprised of diverse educational leaders from institutions across the region, and during their visit, the team evaluated Salem Academy’s responses to critical strategic questions for the accreditation process.
“We could not be more proud of what Salem Academy has accomplished in this accreditation cycle including reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic, a transformative curriculum revision, a new campus location, and enrollment growth of 25% over the last three years,” Salem Academy and College President Summer McGee said.
“This reaffirmation of accreditation signals that Salem Academy meets the gold standard among independent schools in the South. This makes us among the best of the best,” McGee added.
In today’s world of accountability in education, accreditation serves as a critical component of a school’s demonstrated effectiveness and ability to provide successful schooling for students. SAIS accredited member schools are part of an international network of accredited schools and recognized throughout the world as a symbol of quality in education for students and teachers.
As a boarding and day school exclusively for girls grades 9-12, Salem Academy’s strength is in preparing girls through an interdisciplinary STEAM and college preparatory curriculum, individualized student support, and through a robust academic and nurturing community.
Salem Academy is hosting a Spring Open House on Sunday, April 14. To register or find out more information, visit salemacademy.com/admission/visit.
For more information about Salem Academy, please visit salemacademy.com or email academy@salem.edu.
About Salem Academy
Salem Academy is the nation’s oldest educational institution for girls in the United States exclusive to girls grades 9 -12. Educating girls since 1772, Salem Academy fosters compassionate and creative leaders, prepared for college and life, who chart their paths with character, curiosity, and courage. Nationally recognized for success with a distinctive STEAM focus, NICHE ranked Salem Academy as the No. 1 Best Boarding High School in North Carolina and as the No. 1 Best High School for STEM Education in Forsyth County.
For more information about Salem Academy, please visit salemacademy.com.
News media contact
Meagan Coughlin, APR
(336) 721.2665
meagan.coughlin@salem.edu