By Anjela Ferry

By Lia Atienza

Accreditors from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) arrived at the Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) on Wednesday, October 2, for a final evaluation of the academic quality of the institution. 

Being an organization that ensures the quality of academic programs for member institutions in the Philippines, the representatives from PAASCU evaluated the facilities, curriculum, faculty, and governance of the ASHS. 

The visit is set to run until Friday, October 3, with school evaluations as well as student and faculty interviews continuing until then.

During the visit, the accreditors observed how the teachers, administrators, and student body nurture and fulfill the mission and vision of the ASHS — forging students who are persons-for-and-with-others. 

“Values such as Cura Personalis or Magis can already give us a sample of what it’s like to be a good citizen [and] what it’s like to be a socially aware person,” stated the Chairperson of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand, Axel Recla. 

He added, “I think it’s very important for us, SHS students, na maisabuhay talaga yung mga values sa school, even without having facilitators or observers looking [at] us,” also emphasizing that the responsibilities of Ateneans are not limited to the classroom setting, but beyond that, as members of society.  

Previous Accreditations of ADMU

The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), being a charter member of PAASCU, was first accredited in 1957 for its Arts and Science undergraduate programs.

Among the Basic Education institutions in the university, the ASHS has not received its official accreditation from the organization due to the recent development of the institution, unlike Ateneo Junior High School (AJHS) and Ateneo Grade School (AGS). 

In June 2024, PAASCU declared the ASHS a qualified candidate for accreditation the following year.