The locally owned Honors Learning Center is Tennessee's first such facility to receive accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), agency officials announce.

SACS is the same organization that accredits the area's public and private schools.

The learning center's stamp of approval doesn't end with SACS. It also received accreditation from the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation of the International Council of School Accreditation Commissions Inc. (CITA).

"We've worked hard and really focused on the educational aspect," said Gary Miller, who founded the center 11 years ago with his wife, Sharee, a 23-year education veteran of the local school system.

"We've concentrated on putting together a superior academic program, knowing that if we took care of the kids, the business side would take care of itself, " Mr. Miller said.

For the 10th consecutive year, students at the Honors Learning Center have, on average, gained more than two grade levels in comprehension skills after only 36 hours of instruction.

The center's goal is for the students to gain one grade.

In order for the center to achieve academic accreditation, owner-director Margaret Craft had to prepare an extensive self-study before SACS and CITA review teams conducted an on-site audit.

The Honors Center passed with flying colors.

"We take our responsibility to each student and their parents very seriously, as we help Honors' students achieve their academic goals while building more confidence and higher self-esteem," said Mrs. Craft, who was awarded the first franchise from the Millers three years ago."