St. James, NY - June 20, 2016 - John Cissel, Harbor Country Day School’s Head of School, announced today that the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) has extended Harbor Country Day’s accreditation by five years.
“We are proud and thrilled to have been granted NYSAIS’ accreditation once again,” said Cissel. “In everything we do here at Harbor, we hold ourselves to extraordinarily high standards. It’s gratifying to know that an organization as highly regarded and scrupulous as NYSAIS recognizes our commitment to excellence.”
The New York State Association of Independent Schools is authorized by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York, “to evaluate and accredit nursery schools, kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools operating within the State of New York….” NYSAIS is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools’ (NAIS) Commission on Accreditation, which includes 19 regional and state accrediting agencies, and whose accreditation process is recognized across the United States and throughout the world. All independent schools in New York must go through the NYSAIS accreditation process every five years.
To be granted NYSAIS accreditation, schools must undergo an in-depth self-study that includes an exhaustive internal and external examination of all aspects of the school community, including mission and culture, governance, educational program, student services, finance and school operations, parents, faculty and non-teaching personnel, community relations and communications. Through a process of continual self-improvement that includes visiting teams of professionals from outside the school community, Harbor Country Day School has fulfilled the accreditation requirements for an independent school.
According to Dr. Mark W. Lauria, NYSAIS Executive Director, “The rigorous accreditation process that each NYSAIS school undergoes represents a significant commitment of time and energy, allowing the school and NYSAIS to thoroughly exam all facets of the school as part of the continuous improvement that is needed to best serve students and their families. Harbor Country Day School is to be commended for its participation in this important process of self-improvement.”
About Harbor Country Day School
Founded in 1958 by conscientious parents, Harbor Country Day School is an independent, co-educational day school for children from preschool through 8th grade situated in St. James’ Village of Head of the Harbor. The school employs a whole-child approach to education, wherein its rigorous curriculum is supported by a broad program in its academic, athletic, advisory, and visual and performing arts departments designed to develop all aspects of each child's talents and interests. Harbor Country Day School’s summer camp program, Camp Harbor, is among the leading summer camp programs on Long Island. The school’s mission to “cherish childhood, cultivate wonder, and inspire confident learners and leaders” underscores every child’s experience at Harbor Country Day School and ensures that all of its graduates are prepared to lead fulfilling lives filled with wonder, confidence, and many successes.
Harbor Country Day School is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and is accredited by and a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). It is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization under section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Code governed by a self-perpetuating board of trustees. For more information, visit www.hcdsny.org.
About NYSAIS:
The New York State Association of Independent Schools was founded in 1947 by eleven schools and has grown to over 195 member schools and organizations incorporated in the State of New York. The NYSAIS mission is: “The New York State Association of Independent Schools promotes the independence, well-being, and public understanding of, and respect for, New York Independent Schools and serves as an accrediting body charter by the New York State Board of Regents.” For more information about NYSAIS or NYSAIS accreditation, please go to: www.nysais.org.