LETTER: Voucher schools accredited by state approved agencies

To Ozaukee Press:

I wanted to send a clarification concerning an Ozaukee Press editorial that stated private schools do not have to meet state accountability standards. All Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee are required to maintain accreditation as a condition of operating as a Catholic school and to participate in programs such as Wisconsin School Choice. Accreditation is not optional; it is a formal process that holds schools accountable to high standards of excellence in both faith formation and academic practice.

At St. John XXIII Catholic School, we are required to uphold these same rigorous expectations. We hold dual accreditation through the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation (WRISA). This process is grounded in the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Schools, a nationally recognized framework that evaluates schools in key areas including Catholic identity and mission, leadership and governance, academic excellence, operational vitality and continuous improvement.

Accreditation requires that we engage in ongoing self-study, documentation, goal setting, and external review, rather than a one-time evaluation. We must provide evidence of strong curriculum alignment, effective instructional practices, qualified and professionally developed staff, responsible governance structures, and sound financial and operational systems. Visiting accreditation teams conduct formal site visits to validate our work and offer recommendations for continued growth.

We are especially proud that our school was recently recognized through the accreditation process as being exemplary in academic excellence, affirming the quality of education and formation our students receive. Families can be confident that their children are part of a mission-driven, high-quality Catholic learning community.

Marie Lippe

Principal

St. John XXXIII Catholic School

Port Washington

Editor’s note: The editorial referred to the fact that private voucher schools do not have to meet the same accountability standards as those required for public schools by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. However, as Mrs. Lippe points out, voucher schools like St. John XXIII Catholic School are required by law to be accredited by an accrediting agency approved by the state. Voucher schools must submit annual documentation of their accreditation status to the DPI. St. John XXIII meets those requirements, of course, and is highly respected for the success of its students as they transition to public high school.