Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) proudly recognizes Kent-Meridian High School and Kent Laboratory Academy for successfully completing the rigorous six-month process to earn AESD Accreditation, a distinction that affirms each school’s deep commitment to continuous improvement and student success.
The Washington State AESD Accreditation process, led by the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD) and coordinated statewide by Northwest ESD 189, is a voluntary, research-based approach to school improvement. Designed to support schools in developing systems that foster continuous learning, the process aligns closely with School Improvement Planning (SIP) and emphasizes collaboration, reflection, and long-term vision for student achievement.
To date, more than 300 schools across Washington have earned AESD Accreditation, representing a range of educational settings—from comprehensive and alternative high schools to private and themed schools. Accreditation is granted for six years, with a third-year review to celebrate progress and recalibrate goals as needed.
For Kent Laboratory Academy (KLA), the accreditation process provided a valuable opportunity for reflection and renewal.
“The accreditation process at Kent Lab provides our school with an opportunity to reflect on how we are collectively building meaningful learning experiences with strong outcomes for students that align with our mission and vision,” said Stephanie Knipp, Principal at Kent Laboratory Academy. “This accreditation exemplifies the commitment of our KLA educators, students, and school community.”
At Kent-Meridian High School (KMHS), the accreditation experience underscored the power of community collaboration and a shared focus on growth.
“The accreditation process helps us focus on continuous school improvement and incorporates the voices of our school community to identify areas of celebration and areas of growth,” said David Radford, Principal at Kent-Meridian High School. “I am so proud of our staff and students for demonstrating high-quality teaching and learning, and we look forward to implementing our growth strategies throughout this accreditation cycle.”
PSESD commends both schools for their dedication to reflective practice, community engagement, and sustained excellence in student learning. Their achievement reflects the broader goals of the AESD Accreditation process—to create a performance-based educational system that prioritizes student growth, continuous improvement, and accountability to the public.