PWC Misses Full Accreditation Mark

While 96 percent of Virginia's schools made the Standards of Learning accreditation mark, two Woodbridge-area schools account for Prince William County's near miss on full accreditation.

Freedom and high schools were ranked as "provisionally accredited." Such a rank is given if students achieve adjusted pass rates of 70 percent or more in all four content areas and a Graduation and Completion Index (GCI) of 80-84 points. 

“At all levels, our students are exceeding the content-area benchmarks required for accreditation,” said Walts in a press release. “This is evidence of the quality of teaching that goes on in the classroom, and of the quality of leadership in our schools. Prince William County residents can be proud of their schools and the high achievement of our students." 

The Virginia Department of Education released standards Sept. 29. 

Accreditation is based on the performance of students on Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests and other state assessments during 2010-2011.

When considering accreditation, the state Department of Education considers students’ performance in English, mathematics, history and science. In the case of high schools, the graduation rate is also considered.

Elementary schools are considered fully accredited if students achieve the following pass rates:

• English — 75 percent or higher, grades 3-5

• Mathematics — 70 percent or higher, grades 3-5

• Science — 70 percent or higher in fifth grade and 50 percent or higher in third grade

• History — 70 percent or higher in Virginia Studies (grades fourth and or fifth) and 50 percent or higher in third grade

Middle schools are fully accredited if students achieve pass rates of 70 percent or higher in all four content areas.

High schools are fully accredited if students achieve pass rates of 70 percent or more in all four content areas and attain a point value of 85 or greater based on the Graduation and Completion Index.

Manassas City's Osbourn High School was the only school in that district to miss accreditation.

Manassas Park editor Jamie Rogers contributed to this article.