ACCREDITATION

St. Ambrose Catholic School is accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department (TCCED), recognized and approved by the Texas Education Agency.

In cooperation with the Archdiocesan school offices, the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department oversees the accreditation of Catholic elementary and secondary schools of Texas. The Education Department is assisted by the Texas Catholic Conference Accreditation Commission and is a part of the state-approved Texas Private School Accreditation Commission.

History of Catholic Accreditation in Texas

Many Catholic schools were established across Texas during the 19th and early 20th centuries and a number of these schools are still in operation today, and serve as memorials to the religious and lay women and men who dedicated their lives to promoting and nurturing Catholic education in the state.

Although Catholic education in Texas can be traced back prior to the 18th century, it was not until the 20th century that schools sought formal recognition through accreditation. Many of the Catholic schools that are still in operation received accreditation during the early years of the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Although many schools became accredited during this early period, it was not until the late 1950s that additional foundation for a standard unified accreditation process was built through the educational foresight of important Catholic leaders.

Cooperative efforts characterized the history of Catholic accreditation from 1986–1989. As collaboration continued with the state via TEA, the Texas Association of Non-Public Schools (TANS) and a core group of private school associations, a single umbrella organization for private school accreditation came into being, Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC).