The Plymouth Whitemarsh High School sophomore will compete on the TV reality show this summer, displaying strength, courage and skill as she navigates the show's challenging obstacle course.
Points of Pride
highlights:
- The Washington Post ranks PWHS among the top four percent of high schools in Pennsylvania and the top 10 percent in the nation. The Post bases its ranking on participation in AP classes and achievement on AP examinations.
- Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (PWHS) is again considered to be among the top high schools in Pennsylvania and the nation according to the annual rankings released by US News & World Report and The Washington Post. US News rates PWHS among the top four percent of public high schools in Pennsylvania and well within the top 10 percent of the 20,487 schools nationwide considered for the rankings.
- PWHS was named a Top STEM High School by Newsweek for 2020. In Colonial’s STEAM Culture, teachers from all grade levels help students build a foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math while developing creativity and critical thinking in all subject areas.
- Three hundred and eighty-one Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (PWHS) seniors received diplomas at commencement ceremonies in 2020. More than 37 percent of the class graduated with a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 or higher. Nearly 89 percent are continuing their education, 71 percent at a four-year school and just over 18 percent at a two-year school. Seven students are entering the military. Nearly two dozen students are entering the workforce, while several others are undecided.
- The PWHS Class of 2020 also included 12 students recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, two as National Merit Finalists, nine as Commended Scholars and one as a National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar. Members of the class are receiving scholarships and grants totaling $12,857,098 over four years.
- Conshohocken Elementary school was recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Division of Federal Programs as a Title I Distinguished School for the 2018-2019 school year. The honor places CE among the top five percent of high achieving Title I schools based on four Annual Measurable Objectives.
- PWHS offers more Advanced Placement courses than most public and private high schools in the region. In May 2019, 336 PWHS students participated in 630 AP exams. More than ninety percent earned a score of 3.0 or higher.
- Colonial students traditionally fare well in state and national competitions. In the past six years, District students have won eight first-place trophies at the Technology Student Association National Conference.
- Colonial was chosen to be featured in a PBS video that highlights the implementation of its K-6 Computer Science curriculum. Segments were shot at Ridge Park Elementary School, Plymouth Elementary School and Colonial Middle School.
- Unique block schedules at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School and Colonial Middle School provide students and teachers with ample time to explore material and topics in depth each day.
- With average class sizes of 18-23 and a 13-to-1 student-teacher ratio, Colonial’s intimate classrooms allow for one-on-one and small group differentiated instruction.
- Nearly 84 percent of Colonial School District teachers have at least a master's degree.
- The CSD’s nationally recognized Master Teacher Program provides leadership and career ladder opportunities and is now in its second decade. More than six dozen teachers have earned Master Teacher status since the program began in 2001.
- Moody’s ranks CSD among the most financially stable school districts in Pennsylvania with a Aaa rating. Colonial is one of just seven school districts in the Commonwealth to have an Aaa rating.
- Colonial has a real estate tax millage rate of 23.364, the third lowest in Montgomery County.
- Colonial was named a Best Community For Music by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for the fourth straight year.
During the pandemic, the Colonial Elementary School fifth grader learned new skill and turned it into a business that gives back to the community.
The Colonial Middle School sixth grader used her free time during the pandemic to start Baking A Difference, a nonprofit organization that donates all proceeds from its baked goods to charity.
Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Junior wrote award-winning short story to earn $500 prize and an e-book publishing contract.
PWHS Junior released his first album on streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music. Read more about it in this article by Marisa Sloan, PWHS Class of 2021.