BENTON HALL ACADEMY SINCE 1977

Benton Hall Academy Earns Continuing Cognia (Previously AdvancED) Accreditation

Nashville, TN November 15th, 2021 – Head of School, Jimmy Purcell, announced today the Benton Hall Academy earned continuing accreditation from Cognia, an accreditation division previously named AdvancED. This action was taken by the Cognia accreditation commission meetings via Zoom at Benton Hall Academy on October 3rd, 2021. Benton Hall Academy has been accredited for over 25 years. This year’s scores exceeded the Cognia Network Average with the overall score more than 10 points above the average. The four key characteristics of high-quality schools and systems evaluated are a healthy culture for learning, leadership for learning, engagement of learning, and growth in learning. These include a focus on the learner, including student voice and agency; the demonstration of equity for every learner across all aspects of the institution; and an emphasis on learner well-being, beyond instruction.

Cognia provides nationally-recognized accreditation, the purpose of which is continuous school improvement focused on increasing student performance. To earn accreditation schools must meet Cognia’s high standards, be evaluated by a team of professionals from outside the school, and implement a continuous process of school improvement. Accreditation is granted on a five-year term.

"Accreditation demonstrates to our students, parents, and community that we are focused on raising student achievement, providing a safe and enriching learning environment, and maintaining an efficient and effective operation staffed by highly-qualified educators,” stated Head of School, Jimmy Purcell.

Cognia accreditation is recognized across state lines, which not only eases the transfer process as students move from accredited school to accredited school but also assures parents that the school is meeting nationally accepted standards for quality and successful professional practice.

Nirmeen Alireza, Academy Director/School Founder of Nün Academy, Jeddah, KSA, stated "Cognia provides schools access to effective and insightful tools that can inform and support school improvement plans. In addition, the people that we have met at Cognia were experienced and dedicated educators that embody a very authentic commitment to school improvement, enhancing learning and development opportunities for young and adult learners.”