Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools Earn National Accreditation
Families choosing Catholic education in the Diocese of Joliet can be even more confident in their decision, as all diocesan elementary schools and two high schools are accredited through the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA).
WCEA is a nationally recognized accrediting body that evaluates Catholic schools based on academic quality, Catholic identity, leadership, and long-term sustainability. The achievement affirms the Diocese of Joliet’s continued commitment to excellence in both education and faith formation and formalizes a process for continuous school improvement.
“Accreditation gives families confidence that our schools are not only meeting high standards, but continuously working to improve,” said Dr. James Quaid, Diocese of Joliet Superintendent of Catholic Schools.
The accreditation process strengthens schools by enhancing student learning, deepening Catholic identity, and ensuring long-term vitality across the system.
A Trusted Mark of Quality
WCEA accreditation aligns with the four domains of National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (Mission and Catholic Identity, Governance and Leadership, Academic Excellence and Operational Vitality) and Illinois State Board of Education recognition. The accreditation process affirms that schools:
- Deliver strong academic programs
- Actively form students in the Catholic faith
- Operate with sound leadership and financial stability
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement
A Comprehensive Evaluation Process
The rigorous two-year accreditation process that happens every six years includes:
- Conducting a comprehensive self-evaluation and objective external review of all school programs
- Gathering feedback from teachers, parents, and students
- Developing a strategic educational improvement plan for ongoing school improvement
- Hosting an on-site visit by a team of trained educators A Distinctively Catholic Approach Unlike other accreditation models, WCEA evaluates both academic excellence and Catholic mission.
“Our goal is to operate exceptional Catholic schools,” said Quaid. “This process ensures our students are growing intellectually and spiritually.”
About the Western Catholic Educational Association
Founded in 1962, the Western Catholic Educational Association accredits more than 1,000 Catholic schools across 15 states in 36 arch/dioceses. WCEA is dedicated to supporting high standards of excellence in Catholic education nationwide.
