#Mexico #Queretaro #John F. Kennedy #Cognia American School #Union School

Cognia Honors First International Schools for Excellence in Education

In a significant development for education outside the United States, Cognia® has awarded its inaugural American School Certification to two prestigious institutions, marking a milestone in the recognition of global educational standards. The recipients, John F. Kennedy American School in Querétaro, Mexico, and Union School in Haiti, are the first to earn this esteemed certification, showcasing their adherence to high-quality American educational philosophies and practices.

A Rigorous Review Process

Set against a backdrop of rigorous evaluation, both schools underwent extensive assessments to meet or exceed the tough criteria set by Cognia. Founded in 1964, John F. Kennedy has maintained Cognia accreditation since 1981, continuously demonstrating a commitment to improvement and excellence. The school's dedication is evident in its leadership and professional development practices aimed at fostering an enriching learning environment.

Adrian Leece, General Director of John F. Kennedy, expressed the school's enthusiasm for achieving this certification. He remarked, _“This has been a valuable experience for us, and we are clearly happy with the outcome.”_

Meanwhile, Union School has a storied history dating back to 1919, making it one of Haiti's earliest American schools. With Cognia accreditation in place since 1962, the school remains devoted to implementing a curriculum deeply rooted in American educational customs and best practices. This certification cements their commitment to providing students with a comprehensive American-style education, essential in today’s globally interconnected world.

Setting a Benchmark for Educational Standards

The Cognia American School Certification was designed to ensure that international institutions providing American-style education meet several strict criteria. These include:

• - Commitment to U.S. Educational Philosophy: Schools must align their curriculum and educational practices with those typical in American schools.
• - Ongoing Professional Learning: Continuous staff training and development opportunities must be prioritized to facilitate best teaching practices.
• - Membership in Global Education Networks: Schools are encouraged to engage with international educational communities for collaborative growth and improvement.
• - Graduate-Level Leadership Credentials: This ensures that educational leaders within the institutions possess advanced qualifications.
• - English-Language Proficiency: Schools are required to demonstrate proficiency in English among both staff and students, reflecting the primary language of instruction.
• - Focus on College and Career Readiness: The curriculum should enhance students’ readiness for higher education and future careers.
• - Valid and Reliable Assessments: Institutions must employ assessments that measure students’ academic performance accurately in English, supporting a standardized evaluation of educational success.

Andrew Sherman, Vice President of International Services at Cognia, highlighted the importance of these achievements. He stated, _“It was an amazing experience guiding the schools through certification and seeing the American School essence resonating in the ways these schools serve and support their students day to day and into the future.”_

Cognia’s Role in Advancing Global Education

Cognia is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes by providing accreditation, certification, assessment, and professional learning services tailored to the needs of schools globally. Currently serving over 40,000 public and private institutions across more than 100 countries, Cognia has established itself as a leader in evaluating and fostering educational excellence, transforming teaching and learning across borders.

The recognition of John F. Kennedy and Union School represents not only a commendation of their commitment to quality education but also a broader commitment to enhancing educational standards worldwide. As global education continues to evolve, the Cognia American School Certification will serve as a pivotal framework for schools aspiring to achieve excellence in delivering American-style education internationally.