NEW HOPE, PA — The New Hope-Solebury School District has been recognized as an Outstanding Visual Arts Community by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association and has received a gold designation on the College Board’s Advanced Placement School Honor Roll.

“Our district is constantly seeking new opportunities to prepare students for the global landscape ahead of them. These honors reflect our commitment to innovation and to ensuring students are career and college ready,” said Superintendent Dr. Charles Lentz.

This is the second time the district has earned this recognition in the past three years from the Pennsylvania Art Education Association, which endorses visual arts programs for their rigorous and inclusive curricula, qualified faculty, commitment to accessibility, and program visibility.

When asked about the distinction, New Hope-Solebury art faculty member Mark Mannion highlighted efforts to innovate within the art curriculum and to prepare students for the visual needs of the future.

“I am proud of the robust curriculum we are able to offer our students,” said Mannion. “We teach traditional mediums, but we are also constantly introducing students to the latest mediums and technology used by contemporary artists so they are prepared for our visual world when they graduate.” He continued, “I love to see their amazement when they learn how to control technology like 3D designing software and 3D printing. It feels great to be recognized for all of our hard work.”

The district has also earned a gold-level designation on the College Board’s Advanced Placement School Honor Roll. The Honor Roll recognizes schools whose advanced placement participation reflects a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

New Hope-Solebury had 73 percent of seniors take at least one AP exam during high school, 58 percent of seniors score three or higher on their exam, and 32 percent of seniors take five or more AP exams.

“We are proud of the exceptional work and dedication of our students, teachers, and staff who challenge themselves within the Advanced Placement program,’ said Principal Patrick Sasse. “Our team takes great pride in knowing that whatever path our students choose for their next steps, we are helping them approach the future feeling confident, inspired, and exceptionally prepared.”