ABOUT ASCENSION PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Ascension Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in Louisiana, and the largest to consistently maintain an “A” rating in the Louisiana Department of Education’s accountability system. The district is the largest employer in the parish with approximately 3,100 employees, including 2,000 teachers. It enrolls 24,000 students in 31 schools and 3 programs. An A-rated school district since letter grades were introduced in 2011-12, Ascension Parish currently ranks 4th in Louisiana for District Performance Scores and 1st for Progress Index.
The district is governed by the Ascension Parish School Board, comprised of 11 elected members.
MISSION
The mission of Ascension Public Schools is to provide every child the high-quality education necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world.
VISION
A world in which every child is prepared to successfully pursue postsecondary opportunities of their choice.
PURPOSE
Ascension Public Schools will work in unison to provide daily quality experiences for students so they have every opportunity to attain high levels of academic development, discover their talents and interests for skill development, and grow in emotional maturity. This will enable students a successful pursuit of a quality life and an opportunity to contribute to the quality of the lives of others in their community.
CORE VALUES
LEADERSHIP | LEARNING | SERVICE | TEAMWORK
INTERNATIONALLY ACCREDITED
The Ascension Parish School District and its schools are internationally accredited by Cognia, formerly known as AdvancED. The school system's accreditation process is on a 5-year cycle. The district was last reaccredited in 2021 with glowing marks.
As part of the accreditation review process, the school system administers stakeholder surveys for a comprehensive look at the district and its schools. The following are links to the latest stakeholder surveys:
Ascension Public Schools System Accreditation Engagement Review
ABOUT COGNIA ACCREDITATION
GUIDING THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
Based on a set of rigorous research-based standards and evidence-based criteria, the accreditation process examines the whole institution–its policies, programs, practices, learning conditions, and cultural context–to determine how well the parts work together to carry out the institution’s vision and meet the needs of every learner. Accreditation isn’t about passing a one-time inspection. Rather, accreditation recognizes education providers that demonstrate and sustain their commitments to continuous improvement and better learner outcomes.
ACCREDITING DIVISIONS
Cognia accreditation represents the unified policies and procedures for accreditation and certification from its Accreditation Divisions:
- North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI)
- Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI)
NCA CASI, SACS CASI, and NWAC comprise three of the six regionally recognized K-12 accrediting bodies and together have been accrediting institutions for 125 years.
For more information, visit www.cognia.org/services/accreditation-certification.
