Chatham Hall Earns Prestigious VAIS Reaccreditation

Founded in 1973, VAIS is the leader in advancing and advocating for independent school education in Virginia. The VAIS accreditation program is one of a select few recognized at the international level through the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA). VAIS also is recognized and approved by the Virginia Board of Education through the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE).

Founded in 1894, Chatham Hall prepares girls for college and for productive lives. Its rigorous educational program encourages intellectual growth, creativity, and personal responsibility. Through the Honor Code, Chatham Hall fosters the intellect and character of each student. Grounded in its Episcopal heritage, the school welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds. This year, Chatham Hall celebrates its 125th year of rich tradition and impact.

"Parents can be sure that when choosing a VAIS-accredited school for their children that the school has been through an intense period of self-reflection and evaluation which strengthens the entire institution," said Betsy Hunroe, Executive Director of VAIS. The voluntary accreditation process is a rigorous undertaking involving a comprehensive self-study, including input from all school constituents. A team of peer evaluators from VAIS member schools spends several days on campus reviewing the self-study report, documentation, and curriculum; meeting with administrators, trustees, students, parents, and teachers; and observing campus life. The team concludes the in-depth visit with a detailed written assessment. The finalized report is then submitted for accreditation approval by the VAIS Board of Directors.

“Chatham Hall is in a position of unprecedented strength. We are grateful to VAIS and its accreditation process which brought meaningful introspection, reflection, and future aspiration,” says Rector Suzanne Walker Buck. “I am elated to share that Chatham Hall was commended in numerous areas including impressive character of student body, strength of execution of strategic plan, excellence of efforts for financial fortification, and our celebration of Episcopal Mission.” Sarah Longpré, Chair of the Chatham Hall Board of Trustees, shares these sentiments. "On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I express our gratitude to VAIS for the time they spent reviewing our efforts at Chatham Hall and acknowledging the direction we have taken to empower girls to better the world. We are proud that the strategy we have set forth is recognized through actions taken on campus by the administrative, faculty and staff team and the student body."

To learn more about Chatham Hall, visit www.chathamhall.org. To learn more about VAIS accreditation and its member schools, visit www.vais.org.