Recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.
Recognition as the FIRST “Blue School” in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond
Each year, the Bishop and members of his staff review all aspects of the schools in our Diocese in the areas of enrollment, leadership, budget, debt, academics and potential for growth. Upon completion, schools are given a color designation: red, yellow, green or blue. In December of 2020, St. Edward-Epiphany Catholic School was the first school in the history of our Diocese to receive the blue designation – we are proud to have maintained the “Blue School” designation for every year since.
Accreditation by Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
St. Edward-Epiphany Catholic School, under the umbrella of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, is accredited as a district by Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA). Individual diocesan schools within the Catholic Diocese of Richmond are also accredited by MSA and approved by the Virginia Council for Private Education as authorized by the Virginia State Board of Education.
The Diocese of Richmond was the first diocese in the country to achieve district accreditation in 2006 through AdvancEd/Cognia. District accreditation allows for the use of a common language school improvement across content areas and grade levels, as well as across individual schools, feeder schools, and district lines of responsibility. District accreditation also provides the district and community with validation and recognition for improvement efforts as well as required actions that are designed to further the district’s effort to improve.
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools is a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 130 years, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development, and advance student achievement.
Hundreds of faith-based schools seek out MSA accreditation because MSA supports and recognizes the importance of having schools fulfill their missions under their specialized faith-based traditions and values.