Twenty one high schools in Bucks and Montgomery counties were listed in Philadelphia Magazine's September 2009 report of the top 50 public high schools in the eight-county Philadelphia area. Additionally, local programs in the two counties were highlighted as best in the region.
The annual rankings are based on a number of factors, including test scores, percentage of college attendance, faculty information, extracurricular activities, district family income level and spending per student.
Mark Thomas, Upper Perkiomen High School choir director, was acknowledged for his efforts to lead the school's choruses in 40 out-of-school location performances, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Chicago's Orchestra Hall in the United States, as well as in Europe. Abington High School was recognized for its commitment to community service. Each year, the student body of less than 2,000, records 90,000 hours of service in fulfillment of the three-year "service learning" path requirement for graduation.
At Harriton High School, the magazine ranked the scientists as the "coolest kids," naming last year's captain of the Science Olympiad as "Mr. Harriton." Pennsbury High School's "homemade" prom was also spotlighted. Ann Shoket, Pennsbury alumna and editor-in-chief of Seventeen magazine, called the event "legendary" and "authentic" with well known prom night musical acts such as John Mayer and Asher Roth. The North Penn football team and Lower Merion boy's basketball team also received recognition for their winning seasons and state championships.
Also of note, Vince Cotter of Plymouth-Whitemarsh was given the nod as an exceptional superintendent for his use of technology, teacher training, parent communication and promotion to improve the school. Council Rock School District's North and South High Schools were honored as the first in the country to improve the overall efficiency of their buildings by 40 percent, saving nearly $6 million in energy costs.
"We're very proud to have schools in Bucks and Montgomery counties once again ranked as top in the region," said Jim Sando, a leader in the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS). "It's great that this year's report has reached beyond statistics to highlight other opportunities that help produce a valuable learning environment and a well-rounded education. We have terrific things going on in our schools and it's wonderful to see these programs receive some well-deserved recognition," he added.
School Rankings are as follows:
Montgomery County
Harriton - #1
Lower Merion - #3
Jenkintown - #7
Lower Moreland Township - #11
Springfield Township - #15
Upper Dublin - #16
Plymouth-Whitemarsh - #25
Wissahickon - #28
Upper Merion - #29
Hatboro-Horsham - #37
Cheltenham - #43
Abington - #44
Perkiomen Valley - #49
Methacton - #50
Bucks County
New Hope-Solebury - #9
Central Bucks East - #21
Council Rock North - #30
Council Rock South - #33
Palisades - #34
Central Bucks South - #41
Central Bucks West - #45
