Moorpark Adult School Granted Accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges

 

(Moorpark, California) February 26, 2024—Moorpark Adult School is proud to announce that it has been granted initial accreditation status by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Based in Northern California, WASC accredits public high schools, adult schools and colleges in California, Hawaii and a number of Pacific islands extending into Asia.  

The decision was made following a visit by the accreditation committee in the fall and was approved during the WASC Commission’s winter meeting. The notice of initial accreditation was sent to Principal Sean Abajian on Feb. 6.

This is the first time Moorpark Adult School has earned WASC accreditation.

Abajian, who led the process, said the accreditation “validates that Moorpark Adult School meets recognized standards of excellence and quality in education.”

“Principal Sean Abajian's outstanding leadership has played a pivotal role in proving that Moorpark Adult School meets recognized standards of excellence and quality in education,” said Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays. “This accomplishment reflects months of hard work and is yet further recognition that Mr. Abajian is leading a top-tier adult education program.”

Abajian added that the accreditation assures current and future students that the education they receive is meaningful, relevant and on par with state and national standards.

The designation means Moorpark Adult School has met WASC criteria for initial accreditation, which is valid through June 30, 2027. At that time, the WASC committee will return to Moorpark Adult School to review a series of requirements the school must meet in order to confirm its accreditation.

The commission based its decision on comprehensive information provided by Moorpark Adult School, including the school's report and the successful completion of the accreditation visit.

“For staff, this accreditation affirms their dedication to providing high-quality education and supports their ongoing professional development,” Abajian said. “The designation also enhances the school's reputation, potentially increasing enrollment and expanding program offerings.”

During the initial accreditation period, Moorpark Adult School is required to complete a self-study assessment and submit a self-study report, showcasing the progress made in meeting the recommendations of the initial visit visiting committee.

Abajian and the Moorpark Adult School administration will receive self-study training, and key staff members will participate in these training sessions.

Additionally, a WASC visiting committee will conduct a site visit to review the self-study findings, observe classrooms and meet with students and staff to evaluate programs, operations and their impact on student learning.

The approval of initial accreditation allows Moorpark Adult School to display the phrase: "Fully Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges" on transcripts or in school advertising.

Transcripts of graduating or transferring students from grades covered by the accreditation may also bear the WASC accredited seal.

“The accreditation process has helped our school foster a stronger sense of community as educational partners have taken ownership in developing the school's mission,” Abajian said. “Student representatives also had an opportunity to share with WASC about their experiences in achieving their goals here at the school and teachers provided key insights as we collaboratively developed the Schoolwide Learner Outcomes and wrote the action plan for the coming years.”

Abajian said the future looks very bright for the adult school, including the expansion of online course offerings, particularly for English Language Learners pursuing healthcare career pathways, as well as developing individualized student plans to tailor education to each student's needs.

“These initiatives aim to broaden the school's impact, increase student success and ensure Moorpark Adult School remains a vital resource for adult learners in its community,” he said.