Patel Conservatory achieves distinguished accreditation | Business

Tampa, Florida-- The Patel Conservatory at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts was granted accreditation last week by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), an accreditation division of AdvancED.

SACS CASI granted the distinction of accreditation to the Patel Conservatory after an extensive two-year evaluation and review process. “The Patel Conservatory more than surpassed all of the stringent qualifications,” said Dr. Shirley Harvey, quality assurance review team chair of SACS CASI.

Hillsborough County Public Schools, Palm Beach County Public Schools and Miami-Dade City County Public Schools also are accredited by SACS CASI. Being an accredited school eventually allows the potential for students to receive school credit for classes taken at the Patel Conservatory.

“Accreditation is a huge milestone for us, and we are so happy to have achieved this for our students, their families and for this community. Our accreditation gives students more alternatives and opportunities to expand their horizons. This distinction will open new doors for all of us and will keep us on a rigorous path of continuous improvement, keeping us at the top of our game,” said Wendy Leigh, Straz Center vice president of education.

Accreditation is designed to help educational institutions boost their ongoing performance efforts for the benefit of their students. The Patel Conservatory is the only performing arts school in the Tampa Bay area to receive accreditation.

Reaching the goal of receiving accreditation involved dozens of people associated with the Patel Conservatory, such as parents, board members, students, teachers and community members, working closely together.

“The process of applying for accreditation took us through an intense process of self evaluation, which already has lead to refinements and improvements. The process forces you to look closely at what you’re doing and allows you to take a step back and look from a different perspective,” said Stephanie Reitz, accreditation project leader.

As part of the non-profit Straz Center for the Performing Arts, the Patel Conservatory offers classes for children and adults of all experience levels in all kinds of dance, music and theater. More information about the Patel Conservatory is available by calling 813.222.1002 and by visiting www.patelconservatory.org.