We’re proud to announce that Colville High School and Panorama High School have officially completed the AESD Accreditation process, a significant milestone that reflects our schools’ commitment to continuous improvement and educational excellence. For CHS this process was a renewal and for Panorama, a transition to AESD Accreditation having formerly been accredited through Cognia.
While all public schools in Washington are overseen by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), AESD Accreditation—facilitated by the Association of Educational Service Districts—is a voluntary, research-based process that goes above and beyond basic compliance. It's aligned with each school’s unique goals and School Improvement Plan (SIP), and focuses on deep reflection, stakeholder involvement, and long-term growth.
Here’s what the AESD Accreditation process involves:
Self-Study & Reflection – Schools evaluate current practices and identify areas for meaningful growth.
Stakeholder Engagement – Input from staff, parents, and the community ensures a well-rounded perspective.
External Review – A team of ESD Board members evaluates the school’s improvement efforts.
Six-Year Cycle – Accreditation lasts for six years, with a mid-cycle check-in to recalibrate goals.
A huge shout-out to Principal Brad Groce for leading the charge and championing this initiative for both high schools. His leadership and dedication to quality education made a complex process both manageable and meaningful.
Why AESD Accreditation Matters:
It reflects strategic, long-term thinking.
It ensures accountability to our students, families, and community.
It provides third-party validation of our progress.
It fosters a shared vision among staff, students, and stakeholders.
It aligns with proven practices from high-performing schools statewide.
Though this type of accreditation isn’t a direct factor in college admissions, it contributes to stronger academic programs, better preparation for college and careers, and an overall supportive learning environment—all of which benefit our students in real, tangible ways.
We’re proud of this achievement and even prouder of the momentum it brings. Here’s to growth, reflection, and excellence!