OGDENSBERG, N.Y., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The Academy at Ivy Ridge (AIR), a
boarding school in upstate New York, today announced that it had concluded its
relationship with the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs & Schools
(WWASPS).
"On November 29th we received word from WWASPS that it had accepted our
letter of withdrawal," said Jason Finlinson, director of AIR, "therefore we
are officially no longer a member of the organization."
While WWASPS has faced significant scrutiny over the years, Finlinson
cited his primary reason for leaving the organization as being one of "not
needing" the affiliation any longer. "The Academy is now capable of providing
educational programs and seminars with its own staff or by contract," said
Finlinson.
Finlinson also noted that when other WWASPS schools receive unfavorable
publicity, it affects AIR. Says Finlinson: "It's time for us to stand on our
own as far as our program and our reputation is concerned. Our program is
evolving and we feel it's unfair to have the alleged shortcomings of WWASPS
attributed to AIR."
Finlinson noted that he and his attorneys are working closely with both
the New York State Education Department and the State Attorney General Office
to reestablish accreditation for the academic department of AIR.
"We're looking forward to a solid and collaborative working relationship
with the state moving forward," says Finlinson. "We're confident of
accreditation in early 2006."
WWASPS is an affiliation of (now) five specialty boarding schools located
throughout the US and in Jamaica. The organization is based in St. George,
Ut.
CONTACT:
James Wall
(303) 232-3870