The Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) awarded Elizabeth Seton School – South the PAASCU Level-III Accreditation last July 7, 2020.

Despite the challenges 2020 has thrust unto us, the institution was able to obtain an indisputable triumph mid-year. ESS-South was granted the Level-III status, the highest level of accreditation for basic education units by PAASCU, an accrediting body that evaluates and appraises private schools according to excellence in educational standards. Ms. Gloria G. Medina, ESS-South School Principal, stated that “[The accreditation] helps the institution keep abreast of the changing and emerging demands of quality assurance requirements. It sustains best practices in the school.” This shows the school’s commitment to keeping education to a high standard, and delivering quality education, excellent services, and student-centered learning to the Setonian learners. 

This status also grants the institution “Full Curricular Autonomy, including the authority to innovate without need for prior approval provided that the concerned DepEd Regional Office is duly informed” and “Full autonomy including freedom from visitation, inspection and/or supervision by DepEd supervisory personnel or representatives for the direction of its Level III accredited status,” according to DepEd ORDER # 32, s. 2006.

The FAAP (Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines) invited the school to apply for Level-III accreditation, after its consistent performance in the previous Self-Survey, Level-I, and Level-II accreditations. In preparation for the evaluation, six committees were formed according to the areas of concern as stated in the accreditation instrument. These committees, composed of ESS-South Faculty & Staff, worked together to gather evidence and ensure compliance to each aspect. Everyone’s cooperation and efforts greatly contributed to the overall success of the accreditation.

The school’s PAASCU Level-III status is valid until May 2023.

Photo Credits to Dylan Lipardo.