By John Tredrea, Special Writer
NEW HOPE — There are 752 high schools in Pennsylvania.
And, according to US News & World Report, New Hope-Solebury High School is the seventh best of the whole lot.
In its recently released Best High Schools rankings, the same publication said New Hope-Solebury is the 441st best high school in the United States. There are 21,776 high schools in this country.
In a written statement, Dr. Raymond J. Boccuti, superintendent of the New Hope-Solebury district, said he reacted with “excitement, honor, and pride” to the district’s stellar rankings.
”While this is a shining credit to our outstanding high school, it is also a credit to our entire K-12 educational program working in the community context of genuine commitment shared by students, staff members, School Board, parents, guardians, and community members. In these challenging times, this is certainly a worthy opportunity for all stakeholders to pause and proudly share in the celebration of this remarkable achievement,” Dr. Boccuti added.
New Hope-Solebury High School has approximately 500 students in grades nine-12, drawn from Borough of New Hope and neighboring Solebury Township.
”The community has a rich history and is noted for its acceptance of diversity, support of the arts, and tourist trade. The community is also very supportive of its schools,” said Christiana Lang, high school principal.
”The current high school environment is marked by strong interpersonal relationships at every level. Student voice is encouraged and respected. Democratic processes are in place for the making of decisions and the mediation of human and programmatic differences. The only values that are not negotiable in our school community are respect for the learning environment and the persons, property and spirit of its members,” Ms. Lang added;.
”The learning outcomes associated with the high school’s curriculum emphasize both the mastery of essential facts and the deep understanding and flexible use of core disciplinary concepts. Although the retention of facts is generally measured by traditional assessments such as tests and quizzes, student understanding is measured by authentic performances that are designed to mirror the tasks associated with higher education and the work place. These performance tasks demand that students use their content knowledge (facts) and disciplinary ways of thinking (networks of concepts) to solve authentic problems.
”The products of these exercises are typically in the form of papers and/or presentations. These papers and presentations require students to exercise and develop important intellectual skills – analysis and synthesis of information, creative problem solving, and the ability to communicate one’s thoughts in both written and oral form. Both students and teachers use information technologies throughout the learning process as tools to facilitate their shared and individual work.
”We are very proud of our students and staff members. Yet, we are not content with current levels of instruction and learning. We have adopted a continuous improvement ethic and look forward to continued growth in a supportive and wholesome community environment,” said the principal.
To find out more about the school’s ranking by U.S. News and World Report, visit http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/pennsylvania for more information.

