Merkos Accreditation Board Impressed by Seattle School

Menachem Mendel Seattle Cheder of Seattle, Washington, hosted an accreditation visit last week by the National Accreditation Board of Merkos, led by chair Rabbi Nochem Kaplan.

Menachem Mendel Seattle Cheder hosted an accreditation visit last week. The visitors included Rabbi Nochem Kaplan, chair of the National Accreditation Board of Merkos, Dr. Don Petry, one of the most prominent accreditors in the US and Marie Perez, director of school services at the BJE in Los Angeles. The team will recommend full accreditation to the NABMLIC and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.  

Five years ago, principal Mrs. Chaya Elishevitz visited the NAB offices and inquired about the accreditation program. Since that time, accreditation has been an evolving process for MMSC. It was an arduous undertaking but now the school has proven that it is a quality institution, capable of completing an accreditation protocol successfully.

During the NAB/MSA visit, the visitation sat-in on classes, The visitors met with administrators, teachers, students, alumni, board members, and parents. “Overall, there is much enthusiasm about the changes that are taking place; the students love coming to school, and they feel that the school cares about them and their well-being” said Dr. Petry.

The mission and purpose of the National Accreditation Board is to foster the continuous pursuit of educational excellence in both Judaic and general academic subjects. A self-study peer review creates an atmosphere conducive to educational progress. Strategic, long-term planning sets the stage for an ongoing process of advancement toward excellence.

The standards, training and assistance offered by the National Accreditation Board provide the mechanism and help generate the enthusiasm which makes the accreditation protocols effective and meaningful.

“The Cheder and Mrs. Elishevitz, the board of the school and indeed the Seattle community, have much to be proud of,” Rabbi Kaplan said.