INDIANAPOLIS --- As part of its continuing effort to ensure the integrity of academic credentials used by high schools in the initial eligibility process, the High School Review staff at the NCAA Eligibility Center has issued a not cleared decision for Charis Prep school in Wilson, N.C.  As a result, core courses, grades and graduation records from Charis Prep will not be used when determining prospective student-athletes’ initial eligibility to compete in intercollegiate athletics.

In the spring of 2008, the NCAA Eligibility Center staff reviewed Charis Prep’s curriculum, class schedules, teacher schedules and enrollment figures. The review also included an in-person site visit.

Specifically, the review identified several areas of concern, including a lack of quality control or organized curriculum structure.

The school was notified of these and other concerns and given an opportunity to respond to the specific issues. However, the school administration has not provided adequate information to address the specific concerns identified by the Eligibility Center staff.

Students currently enrolled for the 2008-09 academic year may have their individual academic records reviewed through the initial-eligibility process. A determination will be made regarding their NCAA initial eligibility status based on this review.

Charis Prep has appealed this decision. The appeal will be heard by the High School Review Committee, a committee consisting of members from the collegiate and secondary education communities.  The High School Review Committee will make the final decision regarding Charis Prep in the next several months.

The high school review process was created after presidents from several NCAA member institutions raised concerns about the legitimacy of high school academic credentials presented by some incoming student-athletes. Those concerns centered on student-athletes establishing initial-eligibility by using academic credentials through schools and courses. In response, presidents in Divisions I and II adopted legislation to provide for the review of high schools and individual prospective student-athletes records in the initial-eligibility process.

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