Lower Merion School District (Philadelphia)

The Lower Merion School District (LMSD), located in Philadelphia ’s historic Main Line suburbs, serves the 62,000 residents of Lower Merion Township and the Borough of Narberth. Established as one of Pennsylvania ’s first public school districts in 1836, LMSD enjoys a rich tradition of achievement, innovation and community partnership and a longstanding reputation as one of the finest school systems in the United States . The District’s six elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools provide a challenging, multi-disciplinary academic program and dynamic, co-curricular experience to more than 6,700 students.

Of the District’s nine eligible schools, all have received recognition for excellence by the Commonwealth and seven have received the National Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence in Education. LMSD schools rank first in Pennsylvania for SAT and PSAT scores, AP Participation rate, total number of National Merit Semifinalists, total number of International Baccalaureate diplomas granted and in numerous publications’ “Top Schools ” lists. Approximately ninety-four percent of high school graduates attend institutions of higher learning.

LMSD’s comprehensive instructional program encompasses an array of services for special needs and gifted children as well as community-based learning programs, extended daycare, early-intervention literacy support, an International Baccalaureate diploma program and a full menu of high school honors and AP courses. An extensive range of course offerings in core areas, music and the arts, technology and special subjects form the foundation of the District’s secondary curriculum. Themed, year-long middle school programs offer students enhanced opportunities to explore subjects through hands-on, interdisciplinary study and block scheduling. The District’s Foreign Language Elementary School Program (FLES) enables all students to receive uninterrupted foreign language instruction from second grade until the time they graduate from high school.

More than 220 supervised academic, athletic, community outreach and performance-oriented co-curricular programs are available in the District, from elementary school technology clubs to high school varsity sports. In addition to serving student programs, the District’s facilities are utilized by thousands of community members for enrichment programs, recreation and general use.

The District’s professional staff consists of 615 full time teachers, 80% of whom have advanced degrees. The faculty is complemented by a support staff of 514 skilled individuals. A guidance counselor and psychologist are available in every school.

LMSD maintains one of the lowest class size averages in Pennsylvania . The student-to professional staff ratio at the secondary level is 11:1 and average class size in the District is approximately 21 students. In addition to providing a supportive teaching environment, the District offers one of the highest salaries and best benefits packages in Pennsylvania and extensive staff development opportunities.

LMSD is in the final phases of implementing a Capital Improvement Program that began in 1997-1998. Five of ten school projects have been completed and three elementary schools are nearing the last months of renovation. The two high schools – Lower Merion High School and Harriton High School -- are the remaining projects to be addressed. Planning for these facilities began in February, 2004 and modernization could be completed in the Fall of 2008. Two, new schools will replace the existing facilities.