Students arriving at Piney Branch Elementary School

Dear PWCS Families, Employees, and Community,

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) released 2024-25 school year accreditation and accountability information for public school divisions under its new system this week. Virginia recently changed its accountability system by separating school accreditation and school performance.

The School Performance Framework is a way the state measures how well each school is supporting student learning and growth. It looks at things like test scores, attendance, progress for students who need extra help, and how well schools are closing achievement gaps. The state then uses these results to identify where schools are excelling and where they may need more support or new strategies.

This framework provides a clear, big-picture view of how your child’s school is doing, not just academically, but in creating an environment where all students can succeed. It can help you make informed decisions, ask meaningful questions, and partner with the school to support your child’s learning. Visit the Virginia School Quality Profile to learn more.

The new accreditation system is separate from the School Performance Framework and measures compliance, not academic performance. All elementary, middle, and traditional schools in Prince William County Public Schools are Fully Accredited. PWCS high schools received a designation of Conditionally Accredited because PWCS does not award Certificates of Program Completion to students who have completed programs of study but have not met the criteria for an Applied Studies, Standard, or Advanced Studies Diploma.

It is important to note that PWCS has never issued Certificates of Program Completion in the history of the school division due to its commitment to maintaining the rigor and expectations prescribed in the Standards of Accreditation. A Certificate of Program Completion is not equivalent to a diploma. PWCS does not believe that schools, especially those with graduation rates approaching 100%, should be punished for not offering a lower standard. This is the first year PWCS high schools have been assigned the Conditionally Accredited designation due to the Certificate of Program Completion.

Given that the only area of technical noncompliance is the absence of this certificate, an option the division intentionally does not use to avoid lowering graduation expectations, I believe our high schools continue to meet the intent of the Standards of Accreditation through robust, research-based practices that promote genuine student success. PWCS will fully engage in the VDOE appeals process toward this designation.

As we close out another productive week, I want to take a moment to highlight several important celebrations and reminders across our division. This week, PWCS joined districts nationwide in celebrating National Inclusive Schools Week, a time to honor the ways our schools embrace diversity, foster belonging, and ensure every student feels valued. I invite you to watch our short video spotlighting the powerful work happening in our classrooms to create inclusive, supportive learning environments for all students.

We are also recognizing Computer Science Education Week, a nationwide celebration of problem-solving, creativity, and the innovative skills our students are building to thrive in a rapidly changing world. From coding activities to design challenges, our classrooms are alive with exploration. I encourage you to read our story highlighting how students are engaging with computer science and developing the critical thinking skills that will prepare them for future success.

Thank you for your continued partnership and engagement. Your support helps us create learning environments where every student can thrive. Wishing you a restful and joyful weekend.

Sincerely,
Dr. McDade signature
LaTanya D. McDade, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Prince William County Public Schools