We know districts are eager to share the successes of their school community. The application process will begin in 2023.
The Great Pennsylvania Schools (GPS) 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.
Please note: Careful consideration is taken to recognize urban, suburban, and rural; large and small; traditional and innovative districts, as well as those serving students of every social, economic and ethnic background.
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:
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:
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:
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: