Programs of Distinction: STEM

MSA recently awarded their Program of Distinction in STEM to Saint Joan of Arc School in Hershey, PA and Trinity Hall in Tinton Falls, NJ.

The Middle States Programs of Distinction initiative provides external validation of an accredited school’s accomplishments in specific areas of expertise and enables schools to take accreditation to the next level. MSA accredited schools are eligible to apply for Program of Distinction recognition for outstanding programs in Global Literacies, World Languages, Visual Arts, Music, Early Childhood Education, Service Learning, School Counseling, and STEM. To receive a Program of Distinction in STEM Education, the school shows a commitment to ensuring that all of its students graduate with a readiness for college pursuit of STEM-related content and a 21st-century STEM-related career. This commitment is accepted, understood, and supported by the school’s governance, staff, students, parents, and the school’s community of stakeholders.According to Lisa Marie McCauley, Ed.D., president of MSA-CESS, “Programs of Distinction are models for other academic programs throughout the world. Saint Joan of Arc School and Trinity Hall are to be commended for their commitment to offering students high-quality STEM education, and we are happy to acknowledge school leaders, teachers, parents, and students for their excellence in this area.”

These schools join others including Mother Teresa Regional Catholic School in King of Prussia, Pa, Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School in Maple Glen, Pa, and Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School in McSherrystown, Pa. as PoD recipients. Schools earning the Program of Distinction serve as exemplary models for others to emulate as well as attain highly deserved recognition in the form of external validation.

“We are honored to be recognized by Middle States for our STEM program,” said Mary Mahon Sciarrillo, head of school of Trinity Hall. “We are dedicated to providing our students with academic and social skills that will serve them now and throughout life, and the curriculum and structure of our STEM program is a key example of this.”

Beyond highlighting a school’s accomplishments, the Program of Distinction is an excellent self-assessment and program evaluation tool against which to measure their programs and a valuable tool and effective guide toward attaining the Program of Distinction in the future. Click here to learn more about our Programs of Distinction.

Photo: STEM students at Trinity Hall, NJ