By Carol Britton Meyer

The New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Public Schools awarded Hull High School continued accreditation in a December 10 letter to Principal Robert Shaw as part of the voluntary public school accreditation process, which occurs every 10 years. This news was an item on this week’s school committee agenda.

This follows a recent review of the First Report of Progress and Planning of Hull High School that is part of that process and last January’s NEASC accreditation.

A three-day NEASC visit to the high school in early 2023 was overall very positive, with recognition of the school’s strong sense of community.

“Maintaining NEASC accreditation affirms that Hull High School meets the highest educational standards and that our programs, teaching, and resources are aligned with the needs of 21st-century learners,” Shaw told The Hull Times in response to a follow-up email. “We continue to meet just about all of NEASC’s foundational elements and will prioritize the remaining element, which is related to the format of the written curriculum.”

Shaw expressed appreciation for the “continued hard work of the staff, students, and parents – all of whom play a vital role in fostering an environment of academic excellence and personal development.”

In the December 10 letter, the commission commended Hull High for its “well-developed advisory program, which helps students feel known and supported and provides them opportunities for community service and social-emotional learning;” the variety of opportunities for students to showcase their learning, both in and out of the classroom; the community partnerships that provide significant learning opportunities for students; the use of formative assessments across disciplines to inform instruction; and the “commitment to developing curriculum maps to ensure clear expectations for teaching and learning.”

Seven of the eight foundational elements included in the standards for accreditation have been met. The last one, a written curriculum developed in a consistent format for all courses in all departments across the school, has not yet been achieved.

All accredited schools are required to submit a three-year Report of Progress and Planning, which, in the case of HHS, is due on October 1, 2026. The submission of a revised HHS school growth/improvement plan is also required.

HHS’s accreditation status will be reviewed at the time the commission considers the three-year report.

In other HPS news, during recent visits to Jacobs, Memorial, and Hull High by Massachusetts School Building Authority staff, all three buildings were deemed to be in “above average” condition, the highest rating available.

The MSBA is required to conduct periodic school surveys to evaluate the conditions of public schools in Massachusetts and to inform the MSBA grant program.

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed and support our work with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

Do you have an opinion to share? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.