Lower Merion School District, Pennsylvania
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Community name: Lower Merion School District
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Community or city website
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Population: 62,000
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Graduation rate: 92.7%
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Youth poverty rate: 3.6%
Overview
Lower Merion School District students rank among the highest in Pennsylvania for standardized test scores, total number of National Merit Semifinalists and total number of International Baccalaureate diplomas awarded. Along with these academic accomplishments, the community’s dedication to supporting the social and emotional needs of its youth through broad anti-bullying efforts demonstrates why it is being recognized for the first time as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People. To encourage diversity, eight of the 10 schools in the district have been named “No Place for Hate" sites, by the Anti-Defamation League, and include diversity education in the curriculum. Additionally, Lower Merion middle and elementary schools have implemented the Olweus bullying prevention program. Key components of the program include student advisory groups where kids develop skills to identify, respond to and report bullying, as well as discuss peer relationships, develop socially appropriate responses to resolve problems, and learn to respect differences.
Community Programs
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The Olweus bullying prevention program
is being implemented at the middle school and high school level to help youth develop skills to identify, respond to and report bullying, as well as discuss peer relationships, develop socially appropriate responses to resolve problems and learn to respect differences.
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No Place for Hate is an initiative that provides educators and students with the resources to ensure that anti-bias and diversity education are a fundamental part of school curriculum. Eight of the ten district schools have now been designated as "No Place for Hate" sites by the Anti-Defamation League.
- The Coalition for Youth of Lower Merion and Narberth is a partnership of community members and local agencies working together to create a safe and healthy environment for youth, and to reduce drug and alcohol abuse.
Youth Voices
I believe that the teachers I have had throughout the years are most responsible for my success to date. I scored 790 out of 800, and I would not have achieved this near perfect score without such a great teacher.
—Eli
The resources and support for students in Lower Merion help us do our best, but also allows us to decide what our "best" really is.
—Rachel