Programs of Distinction
Middle States Programs of Distinction provide external validation of a school’s accomplishments in specific areas of expertise, enhancing a school’s prestige and promoting its reputation as a top-tier institution. Middle States Programs of Distinction serve as models for schools throughout the world.
Schools desiring to improve their programs have the opportunity to use the Middle States Programs of Distinction process to identify strengths and areas for growth. The Programs of Distinctions then provides the inspiration and the means for attaining a high quality program.
For more information or to apply, click on any of the tiles below.
Athletics
The Athletics Program of Distinction recognizes schools for their commitment to facilitating students’ well-being by either participation in athletics programs or supporting the program as spectators and school esprit des corps.For more information contact accreditation@msa-cess.org.
Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education Program of Distinction recognizes a school’s dedication to early childhood education through a rich, child-centered philosophy and best practices focusing an exploration, questioning, creativity and social-emotional development as well as literacy and numeracy.
Recent Program of Distinction Recipients:
American Community School of Beirut, Lebanon (2014)
Saint John’s School, Puerto Rico (2016)
TASIS Dorado, Puerto Rico (2015)
Music
Schools attaining the Music Program of Distinction foster within students a deep appreciation for music as an expressive, creative art form. Music education is recognized as an essential component of the social and cultural fiber of society and the school.Recent Program of Distinction Recipients:
Fox Chapel Area High School, PA
Ossining High School, NY
Saint Francis Preparatory School, NY
North Hills High School, PA
Carol Morgan School, Dominican Republic
Lancaster Catholic High School, PA
Ossining High School, NY
Saint Francis Preparatory School, NY
North Hills High School, PA
Carol Morgan School, Dominican Republic
Lancaster Catholic High School, PA
The Criterion: The school reflects a commitment to facilitating and developing the students’ acquisition of a deep appreciation for and an understanding of music as an expressive and creative art form and as an essential component of the social and cultural fiber of our society. This commitment is demonstrated by the breadth and depth of the school’s music education offerings and the participation by a significant portion of the school’s students in these courses and activities. The school’s music education and performance program is accepted, understood, and supported by the governance, staff members, parents, students, and the school’s community. A 3 quality curriculum and instructional program provided by qualified and musically talented educators using effective and varied educational and co-curricular programs and activities provide students with numerous opportunities to develop and demonstrate their acquired skills, knowledge, and talent. The school’s music education and performance program is well defined, vertically articulated, age and grade level appropriate, and supports the development of individual and group performance proficiencies, knowledge, and skills. The music education and performance curriculum encompasses music history, theory and appreciation, the music of various cultures, and the opportunity to perform, arrange, and/or compose music.
To review the Criterion & Indicators and for more information about how to apply: Read More
School Counseling
The School Counseling Program of Distinction recognizes schools with a comprehensive and coherent school counseling program, which features counselors who advocate for ensuring equity in student access to all the school’s educational opportunities.Recent Program of Distinction Recipients:
Fox Chapel Area High School, PA
Ossining High School, NY
Saint Francis Preparatory School, NY
Ossining High School, NY
Saint Francis Preparatory School, NY
Service Learning
The Service Learning Program of Distinction recognizes schools that integrate community service into the total school program, including the academic curriculum, through activities involving civic responsibility and citizenship.Recent Recipients:
Waldron Mercy Academy, PA
STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
The STEM Program of Distinction recognizes schools that show a commitment to ensuring all of its students graduate with readiness for college pursuit of STEM related content and a 21st century STEM related career.
Recent Recipients:
Saint Teresa of Calcutta, PA
Visual Arts
The Visual Arts Program of Distinction identifies programs of superior quality, clearly articulated and comprehensive, led by qualified and talented instructors using research-based instructional techniques and strategies, and allows all students to develop an appreciation for and an understanding of the visual arts as a valuable and expressive fine art form.Recent Recipients:
Fox Chapel Area High School, PA
Saint Francis Preparatory School, NY
Saint Francis Preparatory School, NY
World Languages
The World Languages Program of Distinction recognizes a school’s commitment to language education through a well-articulated, learner-appropriate program that facilitates cultural agility as well as the acquisition of languages at a high level.Recent Recipients:
American Community School of Beirut, Lebanon
Ossining High School, NY
Ossining High School, NY
