Lower Merion School District (LMSD) has been recognized by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) with the Great Pennsylvania School (GPS) designation! This honor celebrates public schools that provide students with access to rigorous academics, serve as community hubs, demonstrate strong financial health and show resilience in the face of challenges.

Meeting High Standards

To earn the GPS distinction, school districts must meet established criteria in four key areas:

• Academically Rigorous Programming: Districts must confirm that 100% of their teachers are certified and that students have access to opportunities such as career and technical education, gifted education, advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses, and JROTC.
• Community-Centered Approach: Districts should act as the centerpiece of their communities by offering innovative programs, celebrating student and staff achievements, and providing a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
• Resilience & Student Support: Districts must show evidence of strong planning, including the implementation of emergency preparedness measures and mental health supports for students.
• Fiscal Responsibility: To demonstrate financial health, districts are required to conduct annual independent audits, make their budgets publicly available prior to adoption, and follow state guidelines when purchasing goods and services.

A Collective Vision for Public Education

In addition to highlighting successful schools like LMSD, the GPS campaign website shares resources about the role of school boards, how to run for local office and a collective vision for the future of public education in Pennsylvania.

Learn More

The LMSD community is encouraged to explore the District’s profile to see more of the programs and accomplishments that led to this distinction. You can also learn more about LMSD by visiting the District’s website here.