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By: Sarah Medlin
Christ Classical Academy desires to embody a spirit of excellence in all we do. It is important that we align ourselves with trusted classical, Christian education organizations. With this in mind, CCA is excited to publicly announce we are pursuing accreditation with SCL (Society for Classical Learning). SCL has existed since the mid-1990s and is a well-respected voice and forum for professionals and schools committed to classical, Christian education.
SCL has a partnership with MSA, which is recognized by the state of Tennessee, giving CCA the opportunity to earn a state-approved accreditation. The SCL accreditation process will be overseen by Angie McNichols (CCA Lower School Dean), Kim Mullins, (CCA Upper School Dean), Sarah Medlin (CCA Executive Director), and Stella Barron (CCA Board Chairman). CCA is currently in Year 0 (preparation year) for the 2025-2026 school year. The 2026-2027 school year is Year 1 (candidacy year) with our accreditation visit from SCL expected to take place in Spring 2027. We are excited to grow and improve through the process of preparing for accreditation with SCL and look forward to the opportunity to earn accreditation with SCL for the betterment of CCA for current and future generations.
The following description from SCL’s website explains their accreditation process.
Our Process – The PATHway to Thriving
At SCL, our accreditation process is guided by our core values of being joyfully bound to Christ, boldly expanding the classical tradition, and faithfully extending hospitality. These values help shape a Principled, Aspirational, Thorough, and Hospitable (PATH) approach to helping schools thrive.
Principled: SCL employs a principled rather than prescriptive approach. To provide a clear guide and measure for schools, SCL’s eight standards and ten accompanying indicators capture the essence of a thriving classical Christian school. We work together with schools before, during and after the visit to evaluate these principles within the context of your school. Our goal is to put schools on the path to thriving—helping them fulfill their mission to their families and communities.
Aspirational: Much like a portrait of a graduate, the SCL standards and indicators are idealistic. While each candidate school is assessed against the SCL standards and indicators to foster improvement, our accreditation team is there to observe and offer feedback, not to shame or make schools jump through arbitrary hoops, reductionistic lists, or tedious prescribed changes. Structuring accreditation in this way allows the team to spend time focused on targeting aspirational areas for improvement.
Thorough: Shortly after the visit, you will receive a lengthy PATHway to Thriving Report with our findings regarding each of the eight standards through the lens of all 80 indicators. The report is comprehensive, including both qualitative and quantitative data that highlights areas of strength and identifies key areas for growth. Additionally, a list of recommended resources is included.
Hospitable: We work with schools, not merely to assess, but to support and resource them as they seek improvement. Our process requires high levels of active engagement from each school’s executive leadership team, both during the assessment process and in executing the improvement. At the same time, SCL is here to support the school’s leadership team before, during , and after the visit.We are excited to grow and improve through the process of preparing for accreditation with SCL and look forward to the opportunity to earn accreditation with SCL for the betterment of CCA for current and future generations.
