First in the world to earn the Cognia STEM Systems Certification.
In February 2024, Highland Prep Academies became the first school network on the planet to earn Cognia's STEM Systems Certification, an independent verification that rigorous STEM teaching and learning run through every campus in the network.
A systems certification, not a single school.
Cognia certifies STEM programs at two levels. Highland Prep Academies earned the harder one.
One campus, reviewed on its own.
A school-level STEM certification verifies that a single building meets Cognia's standards for STEM teaching and learning. It is a real achievement, earned one campus at a time.
An entire network, verified as one.
A systems certification evaluates a whole network of schools at once, confirming that STEM teaching, leadership, and student learning meet Cognia's standards consistently at every campus, not just one. Highland Prep Academies is the first network in the world to reach that bar.
Integrated STEM learning
Science, technology, engineering, and math taught as connected, hands-on problem solving, not isolated subjects.
Rigor for every student
A college-preparatory STEM program that reaches all students, verified by an outside review team.
Consistent quality
Shared standards for teaching, leadership, and learning held steady across every campus in the network.
A full review, then a banner.
To issue the certification, Highland Prep Academies took part in a thorough STEM system review. An Arizona team of Regional Accreditation Evaluators, led by Dr. Angela Chomokos and supported by Dr. Mike Jeffers, conducted the review across the network.
The network submitted a wide body of evidence, from classroom videos to detailed program write-ups. The review team singled out one practice above the rest: Highland Prep Academies runs a rigorous academic program rooted in STEM college-preparatory practices for every student.
With the review complete, the Cognia Global Commission conferred the STEM Systems Certification and presented Highland Prep Academies with an honorary banner, marking the network as the first in the world to earn it.
“This certification is not about one classroom or one campus. It is proof that a Highland Prep student gets the same rigorous STEM education at every one of our schools.”
- Certification
- Cognia STEM Systems
- Awarded by
- Cognia Global Commission
- Date
- February 2024
- Distinction
- World's first network
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See the rigor for yourself.
Credentials tell part of the story. The best way to judge a school is to walk the building and see the work happening in the classrooms.
Questions about our accreditation? Call the front office at 623-300-8385.