ISACS Accreditation Affirms Missouri Military Academy’s Focus on Mission and Delivery of High-Quality Education

ISACS Accreditation Affirms Missouri Military Academy’s Focus on Mission and Delivery of High-Quality Education

Feature photo above, the Missouri Military Academy Class of 2021 marches from Memorial Chapel to front campus for Final Formation on commencement day. All members of the class were accepted into college, and the class earned nearly $6.5 million in college scholarships.

Following an in-depth review last fall, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) Accreditation Review Committee (ARC) has determined that Missouri Military Academy (MMA) meets all requirements necessary to continue as a member in good standing with full accreditation.

“We chose ISACS accreditation because, as an educational institution, we desire to be professionally held accountable. The results of this third-party review highlight the strong health of the Academy,” said MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). “Through this process, we evaluated what we do and demonstrated that we meet ISACS’ membership standards. Most importantly, our ISACS accreditation demonstrates we fulfill our mission and provide high quality, transformative educational and residential experiences to our cadets.”

To achieve or renew accreditation, ISACS schools undertake a comprehensive, rigorous and thorough process of school improvement over a seven-year cycle involving broad participation of school personnel, the board of trustees, and major constituencies. The process includes an in-depth self-study, surveys, financial audits, and external review by a visiting ISACS team.

Following the ISACS visiting team’s Oct. 2021 visit to MMA to conduct its accreditation review, team leader Kevin Kunst praised the Academy’s dedication to its mission — empowering young men to unlock their potential.

“(The Academy’s mission and core values) are so very clear and palpable,” Kunst said in an Oct. 27, 2021 letter to Geraci. “It is abundantly clear to my team that one of the most commendable aspects of this institution is all of you. We consistently saw in (faculty and staff) a spirit of collaboration and teamwork and an aspirational attitude …”

Kuntz also recognized the value of the Academy’s motto and the strength of the faculty and staff:

“No matter what your role at the Academy, from senior leadership to those who teach and lead the cadets, to those who cook and build and clean, we appreciate you and the hard work we were able to see and that you shared with us. We wish you the best as you go forward and encourage you to deeply pursue your motto, ‘Love, Honor, Truth.’ What a beautiful and timely set of virtues,” wrote Kuntz.

MMA’s renewed accreditation is in effect through June 30, 2029.

“This accreditation reflects our daily commitment to our cadets and the MMA mission, as well as outstanding teamwork,” Geraci said. “I want to thank every employee, especially those directly involved with preparing our self-study, for their daily contributions over the past seven years to our successful accreditation.”

According to Geraci, MMA will use the ISACS final report to provide priorities for school improvement that will be addressed in the Academy’s next strategic plan update.

ISACS works solely with 501(c)(3) non-profit schools whose mission is to lead schools to pursue exemplary independent education. ISACS-accredited schools meet 44 standards of best practice for independent education, confirms that the school subscribes to principles of good practice in mission and governance, learning and teaching, and administration and operations.

Missouri Military Academy is an all-male, college preparatory military boarding school (middle school and high school) with a diverse domestic and international student population. Our rigorous program empowers young men to reach their potential as future college graduates, citizens of character, and leaders in their communities. Our 360˚ Education fosters academic excellence, a healthy lifestyle and physical development, leadership and life skills, positive character development, and personal motivation.

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