St. Joe High Accredited, Approves Strategic Plan
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — St. Joseph Central High School has been accredited for 10 years by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
The recent acknowledgment by NEASC affirms the academic excellence of the diocesan high school's programs and offerings, said school officials. The self-evaluation process, which is also extended to public schools, sets specific criteria as it reviews all aspects of a school.
School Board President John O'Brien applauded the many individuals and their countless meetings involved in the accreditation process, stating that it was "no small undertaking. We are extremely pleased with the NEASC commendations and have incorporated all of the NEASC committee's recommendations into a bold multiyear strategic plan."
The high school is one of the 17 Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Springfield in Western Massachusetts. It has an enrollment of about 100 and is the only Catholic high school in Berkshire County.
The diocese's Bishop Mitchell Rozanski approved the Catholic school's strategic plan.
"I want to reaffirm the commitment of the Diocese of Springfield in partnership with the local Berkshire community to continue support of St. Joseph Central High School and its academic mission," he said. "While there are great challenges, the need for Catholic secondary education in Berkshire County remains strong."
The diocese provided in excess of $600,000 in funding for St. Joseph in 2015-16. The remainder of the school's budget is funded through tuition and a fundraising program.
In notifying Principal Amy Gelinas of the continued accreditation, the NEASC identified "many areas for commendation," including St. Joseph's "skillful faculty and staff who effectively support the needs of each student," its "implementation of a revised mission," and finally, its "enthusiastic community spirit."
NEASC recommendations for St. Joseph's improvement included "solidifying enrollment as a primary focus while also working on a marketing and a strategic plan." The evaluating committee also emphasized the need for an updated website. The diocese will begin working with the school on creating a new interactive website.
"Everything is trending in the right direction," said Gelinas. The school reported that registrations for the incoming freshman class for the fall of 2016 is more than double the enrollment of the current class, with additional prospective students expected to interview this month.
According to Gelinas, "the tuition price should not deter any family who seeks the faith-based education and rigorous college-preparatory curriculum."
Currently, 96 percent of St. Joseph's students receive some form of tuition assistance, and financial aid is still available for the upcoming 2016-17 school year. Potential students and parents can sign up for the upcoming shadow days on April 12 and May 10 to experience its programs and opportunities.
Established in 1897, St. Joseph Central High School is a college preparatory school that is rooted in the tradition of Catholic education. For more information call 413-447-9121.
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