The Guam Department of Education announced that two more schools are being accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 

Tiyan High School and Harry S. Truman Elementary School have both received a six-year accreditation status, showing each institutions commitment to educational excellence. 

To maintain this status, each school must prepare a comprehensive progress report for the mid-cycle visit scheduled for the 2026-2027 academic year. 

This accreditation not only validates the quality of education provided but also serves as a catalyst for further development and excellence. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the faculty, staff, and students involved.

Harry Truman Elementary School Principal, Annette Salas, offered her gratitude to key members such Dan Plough, Dr. Gayle Hendrick, and Roberta Abaday. 

“Special thanks to our families, Agat Vice Mayor Chris Fejeran, Michael Meno, Neldie Limtiaco, Debbie Shimizu, former Senator Tommy Morrison, Truman's Leadership Team and PTO Members. The process of Accreditation is important to us because it provides us a blueprint that reflects a thorough, accurate description and analysis of what currently exists in both strengths and critical areas of needs with learning as the focus,” Salas said. 

“It allows for us to identify and implement action steps towards continuous improvement processes to ensure our students are provided with a safe and healthy environment while achieving quality education. The process allows us to be recognized, highlighting the staff and faculty for all the hard work, dedication and true commitment in the relationship with our students, providing nothing but the best for our students and families,” she added. 

THS Principal Sophia Duenas also thanked the many people involved in upholding WASC standards. 

“On behalf of our entire school community, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our leadership and accreditation teams for their commitment to the process, to our dedicated faculty, staff, students, parents, and the WASC visiting committee for their unwavering support and hard work throughout the accreditation process,” Duenas said.

Superintendent Dr. Erik Swanson congratulated both schools, stating, “Achieving and maintaining the ACS WASC accreditation is no small feat; it requires a school to demonstrate a continuous commitment to self-improvement and educational excellence.” 

Other schools to have received this accreditation include Order-Chalan Pago Elementary, Chief Brodie Memorial Elementary, and Maria A. Ulloa Elementary. 

For more information on Harry S. Truman Elementary, contact Principal Annette D. Salas at (671) 565-5195 or email htes@gdoe.net. 

For Tiyan High School, contact Principal Sophia Duenas at (671) 300-5570 or email ths@gdoe.net.