Haverford School District Music Education Community Among Nation's Best

The School District of Haverford Township has been making some great headlines recently with an impressive giving campaign and community activism. Now, the district has been recognized for its music education community.

The district has been honored as one of the nation's best communities for music education by The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, they announced Tuesday.

Researchers from the foundation worked with The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas to determine the top communities. They evaluate districts based on funding, qualified teachers, commitment to standards, and access to music instruction.

A total of 527 school district across the nation were honored.

“We have known for many years that our music program is one of the best thanks to the dedication of our teaching staff, the tireless work of our students, and the ongoing support of our parent volunteers. Receiving this recognition solidifies what we have known to be true. I am quite proud of this outstanding group of individuals,” said Spring-Ford superintendent, David Goodin.

“Studying music has intrinsic benefits and, on its own, is core to learning. Also, the links between student success and music education have now been demonstrated by brain researchers in multiple studies,” said Mary Luehrsen, Executive Director of The NAMM Foundation, in a statement. “The schools and districts our foundation recognizes are building on that connection between music and academics. These schools and districts are models for other educators who see music as a key ingredient in a well-rounded curriculum that makes music available to all children, regardless of zip code.”

The "best communities" designation has been awarded by NAMM for 18 years running.

Image via NAMM Foundation