Penn High School Earns National Recognition for Music Education

Penn High School has been recognized by the NAMM Foundation as a 2026 Best Communities for Music Education school.

Now in its 27th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation honors schools and districts across the country for their commitment to ensuring all students have access to high-quality music education. The program celebrates efforts by teachers, administrators, students, parents, and community members who make music a meaningful part of a well-rounded education.

Penn is among more than 1,000 schools and districts nationwide to receive recognition this year. Schools are evaluated on factors such as funding, instruction time, participation, facilities, and community support for music programs.

This recognition reflects the strength of music education at Penn High School, where students have opportunities to participate in a wide range of programs, including choir, band, orchestra, and other performing arts offerings. Penn High School offers the Fine Arts & Communication Academy as part of its unique academy structure. The seven academy design provides Penn students with relevant and meaningful coursework taught in smaller, supportive environments where each student is known well by his teacher and peers. Nearly a third of Penn’s total 3,500 students are enrolled in the Fine Arts Academy with the majority being involved with music programs.

These programs are part of a larger commitment across the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation to provide students with meaningful and accessible music education experiences from elementary through high school.

In P-H-M elementary schools, music class is part of the regular curriculum following state standards. Students are instructed in both vocal and instrument classes. Beginning in 6th grade, P-H-M students at our three middle schools (Discovery, Schmucker and Grissom) have the opportunity to choose choir, orchestra or band as their music elective. Students at Discovery also have the option of choosing Piano Lab. Schools from elementary all the way up to Penn High School also perform musicals.

This national honor highlights the continued dedication of Penn’s music educators, students, and community in building and sustaining a strong culture of music education to help support not only artistic growth, but also collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking skills.