BUCKS AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS RANKED HIGH IN PHILADELPHIA MAGAZINE REPORT
Twenty Seven of the Top 50 Schools Located in These Two Counties

MONTGOMERYVILLE, PA. – September 19, 2008 – Philadelphia Magazine’s 2008 list of the top 50 school districts in the eight-county Philadelphia area ranked 27 districts located in Bucks and Montgomery counties among the best.  Additionally, eight of the 23 schools credited as giving “bang for the buck” – delivering academic outcomes greater than expected for school spending levels and area housing costs – were located in the two counties.

I'm happy to see these districts and schools getting acknowledged for their hard work,” said Jim Sando, a leader in the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS) and a fifth grade teacher in Wissahickon’s Shady Grove Elementary School.  “It’s exciting that so many Bucks and Montgomery county schools listed are listed as giving ‘bang for the buck.’  It just shows how quality teachers, dedicated administrators and involved parents can work together for the benefit of their students.”

The rankings were based on district-wide comparisons of academic variables in elementary, middle, and high schools, including reading and math test scores, SAT scores, student-faculty ratios, graduation rates and enrollment in two- and four-year colleges.  Cost measures used to determine the “bang for the buck” ratings included cost per pupil, average teacher salary, and the median house price for the area.  The enrollment size of each school was also factored into the analysis. 

“I’m always happy when the quality schools in Bucks and Montgomery counties receive the recognition they deserve,” said Linda Weaver, another CAPS leader and a special needs teacher in Bristol Township School District’s Lafayette Elementary School for more than 30 years.  “It’s also important to remember that the value of these schools doesn’t lie solely in their test scores but also in all of the other opportunities they offer students for a well-rounded education including art, music, computers, athletics, special programs, field trips and more.  Parents, teachers and community leaders truly believe that our children are more than test scores and that conviction can be seen in the overall success of our schools and our students who go on to do amazing things.”

For more information on CAPS, visit www.FriendsOfPublicEd.org. You can also support public education and receive invitations and information of interest to parents in Bucks and Montgomery counties by registering on the site to become a Friend of Public Education. For more information, call 866-302-3198.

Schools and their Ranking: 

Montgomery County

Lower Merion - #2
Upper Dublin - #6
Methacton - #9
Wissahickon - #11
Hatboro-Horsham - #14
Colonial - #16
Lower Moreland Township - #17
North Penn - #21
Perkiomen Valley - #26
Jenkintown - #27
Abington - #28
Springfield Township - #29
Upper Merion - #30
Cheltenham Township - #33
Souderton Area - #40
Spring-Ford Area - #42
Upper Perkiomen - #48
Upper Moreland Township - #49

Bucks County

New Hope-Solebury - #7
Central Bucks - #10
Council Rock - #15
Quakertown Community - #37
Palisades - #38
Pennsbury - #39
Pennridge - #43
Neshaminy - #44
Centennial - #46