Butterfield Elementary School was awarded Cognia accreditation and the Cognia STEM certification, the first school in the state to earn both honors simultaneously.
Tempe-based Cognia, formerly AdvancED, recognizes districts that meet rigorous standards focused on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation that meets the needs of learners and effective leadership.
“Earning the Cognia Accreditation and STEM Certification is a significant achievement for Butterfield Elementary,” Principal Janel Hildick said. “It reflects our dedication to high-quality, engaging education. This milestone is a tribute to our hardworking staff and students. Together, we are setting the standard for excellence in learning.”
Accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means Butterfield Elementary School is accredited and recognized across the nation as a school that meets Cognia Performance Standards and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement.
“Achieving both the accreditation and STEM certification from Cognia is no small feat,” said Maricopa Unified School District Supt. Tracey Lopeman. “It demonstrates to our community Butterfield’s commitment to excellence, openness to external review and feedback, and desire to be the best they can be for the students they serve.”
Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia, said the accreditation “is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school and its community on the primary goal of preparing lifelong learners in engaging environments where all students can flourish.”
He commended Butterfield “for demonstrating that it has met high standards and is making progress on key indicators that impact student learning.”
To earn Cognia accreditation, a school must also implement a continuous process of improvement and submit to internal and external review. Schools in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a six-year term.
