The 4201 Schools Association is pleased to announce the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD), a national authority in educational services, has endorsed St. Mary’s School for the Deaf (SMSD) programing and commitment to academic excellence by designating it for full-accreditation for the next five years. CEASD’s robust review process represents the gold-standard in educational practices for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Additionally, accreditation also recognizes SMSD’s adherence to a rigorous set of educational standards. This is the second time the school has achieved accreditation since 2013.
“The Association is so proud of the work St. Mary’s is doing and their continued commitment to their students highlighted with this accreditation,” said Dr. Bernadette Kappen, Chair of the 4201 Schools Association and Executive Director of the New York Institute for Special Education. “All of our schools work hard to serve our blind, deaf and severely disabled students throughout the state and it’s a tremendous honor to see our schools secure these accreditations and designations.”
SMSD’s Superintendent Timothy Kelly received the official Certificate of Accreditation alongside two other schools’ representatives earlier this month at CEASD’s Annual Conference at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind.
Kelly is honored by this recognition and expresses gratitude to all of SMSD’s stakeholders and community partners. “This is a proud day for all of our staff and the entire school community. At its core, academic success starts with a love for being in the classroom, a trait that is clearly expressed through the actions and achievements of our students, faculty and staff. We are honored to add this latest accomplishment to our rich history.”
Next month, SMSD will present the Class of 2018 for graduation – and anticipates achieving 100 percent graduation from its eligible seniors.
The 4201 School Association has several members similarly accredited. The New York School for the Deaf was honored with the CEASD Accreditation in 2014; The New York Institute for Special Education received accreditation by the National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES) in 2016.