Following a two-year process, the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System announces that it has earned Cognia^® Systems Accreditation. Cognia is a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers.

“Work to gain this prestigious designation began when I transitioned to the district”, said SCCPSS Superintendent Dr. Denise Watts. “The process for gaining accreditation aligned well with my listening and learning plans as it required a deep self-assessment, diagnostic reviews, and an external review by Cognia evaluators. Schools and systems are evaluated based on their adherence to Cognia's performance standards and their commitment to continuous improvement. Cognia uses research-based performance standards to evaluate institutions, focusing on key areas such as culture, leadership, engagement, and growth. Our two-year process included a deep examination of every aspect of our district’s operations to include board operations, teaching and learning, and resource management.”

Cognia recognizes schools and districts across the globe that meet rigorous standards focused on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation, and effective leadership. To earn Cognia Systems Accreditation, a school district must submit to internal and external review. Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means that the school system meets Cognia Performance Standards and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement. Schools and districts in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a six-year term.

“Achieving this accreditation is not the end—it is a part of our ongoing willingness to put ourselves under a microscope to acknowledge our strengths and areas of improvement”, said Dr. Watts. “As we look to devise the next iteration of our strategic plan, we will use the Cognia findings and our own self-reflections to guide our next steps to elevate District effectiveness and efficiency.” 

Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia, stated, “Cognia Systems Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school system and its community on the primary goal of ensuring all students can flourish in engaging and equitable learning environments. We commend Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools for meeting high standards and making progress on key indicators that impact student learning.”

“I would like to thank our leadership team and schools for their active participation in the accreditation process”, said Dr. Watts. “Together, we will continue to ensure that SCCPSS becomes a district in which excellence is the standard in preparing our students for choice-filled lives.”

Cognia is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). Parents and interested community members can learn more about Cognia Systems Accreditation at cognia.org