Trident Academy earns three levels of re-accreditation
July 9, 2015
MOUNT PLEASANT, SC – The Lowcountry’s only school dedicated to educating students with language-based learning differences and autism was awarded three levels of re-accreditation. Trident Academy recently received award letters from SAIS/AdvancED and the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE) for its academic programs, training programs, and administration.
The AOGPE re-accreditation keeps the Mt. Pleasant school in stellar company among American schools that educate students with dyslexia; its academic program is one of 13 in the nation accredited by AOGPE and its training program is one of nine in the nation to provide Orton-Gillingham instruction at the certified level. As the largest independent school accrediting organization in North America, SAIS commended Trident Academy on its collective passion for the mission to educate students with language-based learning differences and autism.
“The visiting team found Trident Academy to be a vibrant institution focused on its mission and supported by stakeholders who share a common commitment to excellence,” shares Rich Wendlek, Head of Swift School and SAIS Team Chair. “Meetings with various constituents reinforced the positive impact Trident Academy has on her students and families.”
Earning an accreditation shows that a school meets or exceeds nationally-endorsed standards set by agencies like SAIS and AOGPE. Accreditations are not permanent, which encourages schools like Trident Academy to continually review their efforts and grow appropriately.
“Trident Academy has served the Lowcountry well for the last 43 years,” says Betsy Fanning, Interim Head of School at Trident Academy. “We fulfilled a long-standing need in the region by adding a program for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in 2013. With a keen eye towards the needs of our community, we are excited for the continual growth of our programs.”
Trident Academy provides individualized and small group instruction to students in grades K through 8. Teachers approach education with a multisensory curriculum and a commitment to help students build the confidence and tools to thrive in a conventional environment.
