Hatboro-Horsham School District receives Great Pennsylvania Schools designation

The Great Pennsylvania Schools program by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) honors exceptional public schools across Pennsylvania. 

The Great Pennsylvania Schools designation recognizes Pennsylvania public schools that provide students with access to rigorous programming, are community-centric, demonstrate financial well-being and display resilience. Schools are awarded a ribbon valid for a four-year term through an application and review process.

On Monday, April 7, Hatboro-Horsham School District was recognized as one of the outstanding schools in the state. 

"We were recognized for our academics, learning environment, student well-being, and financial stewardship," HHSD said in a statement. "We are so proud of this designation."

According to its website, to receive a Great PA Schools designation, districts must meet the following criteria:

Academically Rigorous

Students feel both successful and challenged daily through curriculum that provides an elevated level of student engagement and learning through a sophisticated understanding of fundamental ideas driven by a curiosity to discover what they do not know.

To meet the “academically rigorous” requirement, districts must:

• Have 100% of teachers certified.  
• Offer access to three or more of the following rigorous programs: 
• Career and tech ed programming 
• Gifted education  
• Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses Gifted education  
• JROTC program  

Resilient

Defined as the mental reservoir of strength that helps people handle stress and hardship, a district’s resilience can be demonstrated specifically in its emergency preparedness plans and implementation of mental health supports for students.

To meet the “resilient” requirement, districts must:

• Implement an emergency preparedness plan. 
• Provide mental health supports for students.

Financially Healthy

School districts can control their long-term financial well-being by monitoring certain key indicators and planning accordingly, such as budget development, conducting a

financial audit and following bid requirements. A healthy financial condition leads to a successful academic program.

To meet the “financially healthy” requirement, districts must:

• Have an elected or independent auditor conduct a financial audit annually.
• Make final budget available for public review prior to adoption.
• Follow School Code requirements for bids and quotations when purchasing goods and services.

Community-Centric

Academic outcomes, social and emotional competencies, and critical thinking skills are all enhanced when students have access to school environments where they feel safe and enjoy a sense of belonging and connectedness.

To meet the “community-centric” requirement, districts must:

• Demonstrate innovation in school programming.
• Regularly celebrate the success of students and staff.
• Provide academic and extracurricular offerings for the benefit of students.

The Great Pennsylvania Schools program highlights schools that serve as models of success, encouraging other schools and districts to adopt similar practices for continuous improvement in education across the state. Schools that meet these criteria are often celebrated during PSBA events and in publications that showcase the best educational practices in Pennsylvania.