Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Tafuna High School has received an additional six years of accreditation, according to the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ASC WASC) which says that the action was taken at the Spring 2024 Commission meeting.

Commission chairperson Odie J. Douglas informed the school’s principal Tutuila Togilau, that ASC WASC Commissioners have determined that Tafuna High School meets accreditation criteria.

“This accreditation status is based on all of the information provided by the school, including the school's report, and the satisfactory completion of the accreditation visit,” Douglas wrote in the accreditation letter dated May 16, 2024. “It is the decision of the Commission to grant six-year accreditation status through June 30, 2030 with a mid-cycle visit during the 2026-2027 school year.”

Tafuna High School is required to prepare an in-depth progress report for the mid-cycle visit.

Douglas also informed the school that the report and visit should demonstrate that the school has: 1) addressed the growth areas for continuous improvement through the schoolwide action plan; 2) made appropriate progress on the implementation of the schoolwide action plan; and 3) improved student achievement relative to the schoolwide learner outcomes and the academic standards.

“Accreditation status is conditioned upon Tafuna High School’s continued adherence with ASC WASC policies, procedures, and criteria for accreditation,” Franklin wrote. “This includes a requirement that an accredited school annually contribute members to participate on visiting committees.”

Douglas emphasized that failure to maintain compliance with policies, procedures and standards is grounds for modification and/ or withdrawal of the accreditation.

In closing, Douglas said the Commission looks forward to Tafuna High School’s anticipated success and continuing improvement in keeping with ASC WASC’s pursuit of excellence in elementary, secondary, and adult education.