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By Cole Trahan

Ault Academy, the middle and high school on the Bradfield Center campus at 1022 East Depot Street, was recently reaccredited through Cognia, a nonprofit organization that accredits primary and secondary schools in the U.S. and elsewhere. The school received an Index of Education Quality (IEQ) score of 353, whereas other Cognia accredited agencies score between 278-283 on average.

The accreditation will last five years.

Ault Academy principal Dr. Janice Brewer said the reaccreditation meant “everything” to her because the school is so small, and people often don’t “know or recognize” it.

“It means so much to us so that when students come — the parents or the custody holders — they can feel good, as well, about their child being in an accredited school,” Brewer said.

Brewer said she attributes the school’s high score to hard work and dedication.

“My motto is if we stay ready, we don’t have to get ready because we’re already prepared,” she said.

Ault Academy serves boys ages nine through 17 who have documented histories of sexual aggression. According to Brewer, they’re usually two-to-three grade levels behind when they arrive at the residential school. Brewer said they receive ample one-on-one time to help them succeed. They also receive therapeutic support to help them overcome difficult experiences.

The school has an average of 45 students at a time.

Ault Academy aims to help students succeed in life by providing them with high expectations in a safe and supportive environment. Their curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, responsibility, work ethics, and citizenship.