LANSDALE-  North Penn High School has been selected as a recipient for the Governor’s Expanding Excellence Competitive (Mentoring) Pilot Grant.

These grants are designed to create a culture of innovation and achievement in Pennsylvania’s public schools by recognizing high performance; providing funding to sustain and further improve performance; and providing an opportunity for high-achieving schools to collaborate, mentor, and share best practices.

Worth $25,000, NPHS received it for the excellent work of the biology department and is based on the significant academic achievement improvement on the Keystone Biology Exam over a two year period. NPHS’s most recent rate of proficiency (75.44 percent) is the highest in the county and one of the highest in the Pennsylvania. The school’s 2014 results are expected to be even better.

“This is a great honor for North Penn High school and the entire school district, said Curtis R. Dietrich, Ed.D., North Penn School District Superintendent. “It is testament to the excellent education that our students receive at all levels.”

In 2011-2012, the NPHS Keystone biology proficiency rate was significantly lower. In just two years, through plans developed by NPHS staff, incredible strides have been made.  With Professional Learning Communities, aligning curriculum and tests with Keystone expectations, and very importantly the dedication of NPHS teachers and administrators, the school is an example of excellence in Pennsylvania.

As a recipient of this grant, NPHS is considered a mentor school. It will work with a Pennsylvania school that is struggling in the area of biology and share best practices and strategies. In addition, NPHS are required to create an on-line tool that can be shared with all schools.