May 13, 2026
Dear Bremerton School District families, students & staff:
We are thrilled to announce that after a rigorous, year-long process, Bremerton High School (BHS) has officially been granted accreditation by the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD).
BHS now joins a select group of approximately 300 schools across Washington state recognized for its commitment to continuous school improvement and high quality standards.
"This accreditation reflects who we are becoming as a school community and where we are headed together," said Superintendent Slade McSheehy. "It honors the extraordinary work of our staff, the perseverance and growth of our students, and the partnership we share with our families and community. BHS is building a culture of continuous improvement, and this recognition affirms that we are moving in the right direction for all of our kids."
We are proud to share that the AESD specifically commended BHS for:
- Our strong partnership with the military community and our commitment to supporting our military-connected students and families.
- Our commitment to restorative practices and dedicated focus on restorative justice and building a supportive, inclusive school culture.
- The meaningful engagement between staff, students, and families as we collaborate on our new Mission, Vision, and Values statements (coming in June!).
What is accreditation & why it matters for our students
Accreditation is a voluntary, research-based process designed to ensure that high schools are meeting high quality standards. While not mandated by the state, BHS chose to pursue this status to provide external validation of our commitment to student success.
Accreditation is more than just a badge of honor; it is a critical investment in our students’ futures. Key benefits include:
- College & career readiness: Many universities, military academies, and outside agencies require high schools to be accredited for admissions and scholarship eligibility.
- Accountability: It provides a statement of accountability to you, our public, ensuring that we are delivering the rigorous education our students deserve.
- Continuous improvement: Our accreditation is granted for six years, with a third-year review to celebrate our successes and recalibrate our goals to stay on the cutting edge of education.
Thank you for being a part of our journey toward excellence.
Go Knights!
