LOS ANGELES–The Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian school earned rave reviews and commendations from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation committee–which visited the school in order to determine the renewal of Pilibos’ accreditation. Following four days of meetings with administration officials–faculty–staff and students–as well as a thorough inspection and examination of school facilities and classrooms–the committee issued a 12-page report praising the school for its commitment to academic excellence and its adherence to WASC standards.
"The school administration and faculty have developed a clearly articulated course of study with well-defined exit goals for all grade levels–K-12," stated the report which also commended the school for encouraging staff development and utilizing modern and effective methods to advance academic standards in the school.
The school’s environment can be characterized as safe–healthy and nurturing for its students," cited the report–adding that the school and its campus are "a haven isolated from its immediate environs."
The committee went on to applaud the school for its management of finances and further commended a plan to build a state-of-the-art library/gymnasium complex–which the committee found would enhance the needs of the students.
An aspect which the committee found especially significant was the "community atmosphere" created by Pilibos by involving parents–community members and organizations.
"The high degree of involvement by the school and its staff in the lives of its students and their families creates an extended family atmosphere that nurtures the student and promotes achievement of the school’s purpose," the report highlighted.
"Within this family atmosphere–students and staff alike are able to foster high levels of trust–caring and support for one another and closely monitor each student’s progress," the report reflected.
"We are extremely pleased that the WASC visiting committee gave us such a great review," said Alex Pilibos principal Viken Yacoubian who added that "none of it would have been possible without the diligence of our faculty and staff. They should be commended for a job well done."
"It is important to cite–however–that our commitment to improving the quality of education is a continuing pattern. We believe we are ready and able to lead the next generation of Armenian-Americans into the 21st century," explained Yacoubian.
"I’m so excited," exclaimed Jacque Mishler–the Pilibos WASC coordinator.
"The report shows that the hard work and dedication of my colleagues and students paid off," she added.
The visiting committee will submit its report–findings and recommendation to the WASC review board–which will determine the accreditation renewal for the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian school. This response is expected sometime over the summer.