Academy at Ivy Ridge Withdraws From World Wide Association of Specialty Programs & Schools

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

SOURCE The Academy at Ivy Ridge