John L. Coble Elementary School, 450 Academy Drive, Calhoun, has received recommendation for continued Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation.

Approximately 50 people, including teachers, parents and students, gathered at the local school’s assembly hall last month to hear the evaluation committee’s decision. The recommendation for the maximum five-year accreditation term was based on the school’s facility, curriculum, spiritual emphasis and overarching excellence as an academic institution.

“[The students] are getting a top-rate education,” said Steve Wilson, evaluation-committee member and principal of Carman Adventist School in Marietta, Ga.

The committee specifically highlighted Coble Elementary’s Christian focus and how the faculty and staff have infused Christ into the everyday lives of students.

“Everywhere I looked, there was evidence that Jesus is why the school exists,” said Sharon Garner. Garner works in the Office of Education for the Georgia-Cumberland Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and served as chair of the evaluation committee.

Garner also commended the school for its big-picture focus.

“[There is] evidence of an active board with people who care about what’s going on in the school and community,” she said.

Coble Elementary has been a SACS-accredited school since 2005. Schools that have been SACS accredited are recognized as meeting and maintaining the highest academic standards, said Ric Stitzer, principal of Coble Elementary.

“It’s important to challenge your students and staff to reach their highest potential, “he said. “We will continue to strive for excellence.”

John L. Coble Elementary is a local school that offers pre-K through 8th grade education. More information about the school can be found on their Web site at www.cobleschool.com or by calling 706-629-1578.