SEEKONK - Seekonk High School has won high praise from a visiting team representing the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

NEASC provides accreditation to more than 2,000 public and independent schools, colleges, and universities.

The 54-page report praised the school for providing a "positive school climate" and called it a "clean, well-maintained facility."

The NEASC team "saw a school with strong vision and strong leadership," according to the report.

Principal Marcia McGovern, and teachers Linda Horton and Fred Crippen, oversaw the school's self-study, which took place over the course of two years. The NEASC team visited the school for 4 days and made a series of recommendations.

"They thought our school was way ahead of other schools," McGovern said.

Among the commendations received by the high school were the leadership roles undertaken by faculty members, the addition of new positions such as a district curriculum director and a technology integrator, the addition of new course offerings, new programs and initiatives such as a 25-hour community service graduation requirement and a teacher mentor program, and a completed curriculum for math and science.

"Everyone worked their hearts out," noted McGovern. "We are a school that is moving ahead and we have a lot to offer."

Copies of the NEASC report will be available for viewing at the Seekonk Public Library and on the high school's Web site: seekonkhighschool.org.