GNO Collaborative Teachers

Hynes Charter Schools Earns Prestigious Cognia System of Distinction Award

Date: October 24th, 2024

Recognition based on results of rigorous Cognia Accreditation Engagement Review process


NEW ORLEANS, LA – Michelle Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Hynes Charter Schools, proudly announces that Hynes Charter School Corporation has been recognized as a Cognia® System of Distinction. Cognia, a global nonprofit dedicated to school improvement, helps foster growth in students, educators, and leaders. Hynes achieved this prestigious honor following an extensive Cognia Accreditation Engagement Review.

“We are incredibly honored to have our efforts acknowledged by such a distinguished organization,” said Dr. Douglas. “Our students, teachers, and staff consistently demonstrate exceptional dedication, creativity, and commitment to academic excellence. This recognition from Cognia is a testament to their hard work, and we are deeply grateful for this acknowledgment.”

The Cognia accreditation is a globally recognized mark of quality and distinction. Based on the results of the 2023–2024 Cognia Accreditation Engagement Review, Hynes showcased a strong commitment to high-quality teaching and learning. The review highlighted evidence of student growth, a positive learning culture, dynamic instructional environments, and effective leadership—key characteristics Cognia seeks in exemplary schools.

Schools and systems seeking Cognia accreditation undergo a comprehensive evaluation, which includes a period of self-assessment, an on-site review by trained external evaluators, and an improvement phase focused on the review’s findings. Cognia’s Performance Standards for K-12 accreditation reflect the latest research on effective teaching, learning, and leadership practices. To maintain this accreditation, institutions participate in a similar review process every six years.

In the 2023–2024 school year, Cognia conducted over 1,350 engagement reviews worldwide, honoring 49 schools and 11 systems across 16 states and seven countries. In Louisiana, only three school systems earned the Cognia System of Distinction recognition: Glenbrook School in Minden, Saint Bernard Parish Public Schools in Chalmette, and Hynes Charter School Corporation.

Hynes Charter Schools operate three campuses: Hynes-Lakeview (PK3–8th), Hynes-UNO (K–5, expanding to K–8), and Hynes-Parkview (K–8th). Both Hynes-Lakeview and Hynes-UNO offer renowned French immersion programs, with Hynes-UNO recently opening a state-of-the-art facility on the University of New Orleans campus.

In addition to Cognia accreditation, Hynes Charter Schools are also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS/CASI).

For more information on Hynes Charter Schools, go to: http://www.hynesschool.com

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