Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry St. Joseph Catholic School sixth graders (from left) Ellen Straight, Emma Kisselbach, Bella Oyola, and Adriana Royo work on a tree study Friday at Crescent Park across the Allegheny River from the school (visible at right).

After two years of planning, surveys and collecting data, St. Joseph Catholic School has received formal recognition for its processes and outcomes.

According to Principal Nancy Warner, St. Joseph of Warren was among a “large contingent of Catholic schools that coordinated an effort to seek accreditation through the Catholic Schools Office.”

Middle States Association has announced that that effort was successful.

MSA is one of three associations approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education and recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to accredit nonpublic and private schools, according to PDE.

“St. Joseph Catholic School is accredited through MSA through the year 2027,” Warner said. “This was a two-year long effort which involved the collection of school and diocesan level data, surveying students, parents, and teachers, and creating a multi-year strategic plan.”

The seven-year strategic plan for the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Erie includes:

“A focus on mathematics: At a minimum, students will make a full year’s progress in mathematics or be at a benchmark for their grade level through each school’s mathematics program;

“A focus on assessments: There will be a culture in all schools that values and uses assessments as an interwoven component of the educational program along with curriculum and instruction;

“A focus on governance: The governance and leadership in the Catholic Schools Office and at all schools within the diocese will provide consistent and effective school operations that are mission driven.”

“We are so proud to receive this accreditation,” Warner said. “It validates the outstanding educational environment that St. Josephs provides.”