Published Thursday March 22, 2007   

La Canada Flintridge Outlook - COMMUNITY

The Five Acres Therapeutic School, a non-public school on the agency's Altadena campus, has received accreditation from the prestigious Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

After nearly one year of review, WASC announced that the Five Acres- School "meets the WASC criteria for full accreditation and has a history and support system indicating a high quality program that can be sustained into the foreseeable future."

Founded in 1981, the Five Acres School focuses on children in the agency's care and from neighboring communities who have severe leaming disabilities, behavioral problems and academic deficiencies associated with childhood trauma.

"The Five Acres School is very pleased to have earned WASC accreditation, and we look forward to an ongoing relationship with the Accrediting   Commission   on Schools as we work together to improve our programs for special students," said Craig Cotter, director of education at Five Acres. The WASC model of school excellence is a dynamic process
that helps schools identify learning
 
goals for students, assures that data on student achievement is accurately collected and analyzed, and assists schools in developing action plans for student achievement by focusing resources on success.

The Five Acres School offers highly defined instruction to students eligible for special education services in a calm, nurturing and structured academic environment. The course of study is in alignment with California standards and frameworks in all core areas. It has a 6,000-volume central library along with a 9,000-volume Reading Renaissance library and networked computer stations for study and research.

Founded as one of Los Angeles' first orphanages in 1888, Five Acres is a therapeutic, prevention, treatment and education center for abused, neglected and at-risk children. Its services include foster care and adoptions, residential treatment, a special education school, deaf mental health services, group homes and community-based programs. With   facilities   in  Altadena, Pasadena, El Monte and Covina, it serves nearly 4,094 children and families  annually   throughout Southern California.