Joplin High School has earned Accreditation with Merit from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission, a nonprofit organization that recognizes schools across the globe that meet rigorous standards focused on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation, and effective leadership.

Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia, stated, “Cognia Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school and its community on the primary goal of ensuring all students can flourish in engaging and equitable learning environments. We commend Joplin High School for meeting high standards and making progress on key indicators that impact student learning.”

Cognia’s accreditation determination is one more endorsement of the efforts at Joplin High School and Joplin Schools as the district strives for continuous improvement. Cognia’s holistic and authentic accreditation approach reviews not only student and staff outcomes but also practices and processes to improve. Currently, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education also accredits Missouri schools and incorporates some similar practices and processes in its accreditation determination. 

Joplin High School has been accredited by Cognia since 1915. Accreditation with Merit is the second-highest level of accreditation in the Cognia system, and Joplin High School scored only 4 points below the highest level of Accreditation with Distinction. 

Joplin High School principal Dr. Randy Oliver said he appreciates Cognia’s methods for creating workable systems for school improvement and will use this accreditation to inform future improvements for students.

“Our team of educators and support staff at JHS are committed to supporting the needs of every student, every day, and I’m proud to see that commitment recognized by such an impactful global organization,” said Dr. Oliver. “I’m confident that the work it’s taken to earn this accreditation will only improve opportunities for our students in the years to come.”

To earn Cognia accreditation, a school must submit to internal and external review. Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means that the school meets Cognia Performance Standards and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement. Schools in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a six-year term