Media Contact:
Jillian Jacuzzi
jjacuzzi@eastersealsar.com
501-227-3702
LITTLE ROCK – Easterseals Arkansas Academy at Riverdale not only was successful in receiving accreditation but also scored above the average of other accredited institutions reviewed by Cognia. The Index of Education Quality rating that is used by the accreditation body is reported on a scale of 100-400. The Academy received a rating of 297.5. The average range of all Advanced Improvement Network institutions evaluated for accreditation in the past five years is 278.32-283.33.
According to Cognia’s School Accreditation Engagement Review, accreditation is pivotal in leveraging education quality and continuous improvement. Using a set of rigorous research-based standards, the accreditation process examines the whole institution to determine how well the parts work together to meet the needs of students.
The Academy serves a unique population of students, from kindergarten age to early adulthood, with special needs and developmental disabilities. Cognia’s review notes that parents say the school “runs like a well-oiled machine” with “no guess work in expectations” and “the structure is what makes our students thrive.” One parent said of her daughter, “She is a much happier and healthier child. She is getting an education and they value her as a person. They love her.”
In summary, the report states that parents, staff and leadership described the school as “a community, a family, a safe place.” Since the school has been under the umbrella of Easterseals Arkansas, “it has been able to function more like a school, based on stakeholder feedback.” The report notes that “leadership is at the forefront of promoting the school’s mission: ‘All belong, all learn, all lead, to succeed.’ This is evident from the top down and was presented throughout the team’s visit.”
About The Academy:
Located in Little Rock’s Riverdale neighborhood, Easterseals Academy at Riverdale is a private school and outpatient therapy clinic that offers services to students with developmental disabilities in the central Arkansas area. Class size is small allowing every student to receive the attention and support they need to work toward their individual potential.
About Cognia:
Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, professional learning, and improvement services to institutions and other education providers. The result of the merger of AdvancED and Measured Progress, Cognia was formed to bridge the gap between school evaluation and student assessment. As a global nonprofit working in over 80 countries, our 36,000 institutions serve and support nearly 25 million students and five million educators every day. Cognia serves as trusted partner in advancing learning for all.
