I am so excited for GHCA to be reaching this milestone. Becoming accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges brings me great satisfaction for many reasons; but most importantly, for the recognition from an outside institution of the quality education our students are receiving. A school may often be judged by the size of its budget, enrollment or its facility, but most realize that this is just a small part to what really matters most. At GHCA, we attempt to value what God values most . . . a heart and mind dedicated to glorifying Him. As a result, I believe GHCA is truly a great little school. 
We have worked hard since our doors first opened to provide a quality education. With the outstanding support of its charter families and friends, we were able to begin developing an excellent school program. Over the years, God blessed by bringing outstanding teachers to us that truly see their teaching vocation at GHCA as a ministry. They worked hard and sacrificially to equip their students both academically and spiritually to make an impact in this world for Jesus Christ. This same dedication continues today.
A few years ago, after realizing the quality growth was becoming apparent, it became my personal goal to put it to the test. Feeling prepared to take a good long and hard look at what kind of job we were doing, we made application for accreditation through NES&C and ACSI. Once approved for candidacy, we began the arduous task of working through the Self-Study. I knew we had a quality educational program as did our parents, but we wanted validation and the opportunity to work with the same agency that works with Maine public and private schools. We also chose to go the route of a dual accreditation with ACSI, a well-known international Christian school accrediting organization. I also knew this process would be vital in taking the steps to insure we would continue to improve. It was a lot of hard work and many hours of meetings on the part of many people. For me, it was personally challenging to keep the "troops" motivated, but with the help of the administrative team and Joan Barton in particular, it was accomplished successfully. I am so pleased to have arrived at this very special point in the history of the Academy.
I also see this as being very good for the town of Houlton. Not many towns in Maine can say they offer private school education from an accredited school. It has been personally rewarding for me to see the support from this community, and I believe it will only continue to grow as folks recognize the quality education GHCA provides as an educational choice for parents. Now as Head of School Emeritus, I proudly join the entire school family, and friends of GHCA and community of the greater Houlton area to celebrate this great accomplishment. And most importantly, I give God all the glory and honor.
To the Glory of God Alone,
Mark B. Jago
GHCA, Head of School Emeritus
