Sarah Reeder, New Hope-Solebury High School College & Career Readiness Counselor, meets with a student to discuss college and career planning.
by June Portnoy
This past fall, the New Hope-Solebury School District (NHSD) was proudly recognized as one of only six districts in the nation to receive the prestigious AASA Learning 2025 Lighthouse District designation. This honor, awarded by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, highlights New Hope-Solebury’s commitment to forward-thinking, transformative educational practices that are equipping students with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in the 21st century.
The AASA Learning 2025 Lighthouse District designation is part of a nationwide initiative that identifies innovative school systems making a measurable impact on student outcomes through cutting-edge approaches to teaching and learning. As part of the Learning 2025 Network, consisting of over 130 districts spanning 20 states, New Hope-Solebury joins an elite group of school systems driving educational policy, collaborating with peers, and sharing insights to continually improve how students are prepared for the future.
For New Hope-Solebury, this recognition underscores a broad commitment to reshaping how education is delivered to meet the evolving needs of students, families, and the workforce. “This recognition is a testament to our district’s dedication to preparing students not just for academic success, but for life beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Charles Lentz, Superintendent of New Hope-Solebury School District.
New Hope-Solebury is the first school district in Bucks County to earn this prestigious recognition. Dr. Lentz explained that the district’s vision for education goes far beyond traditional classroom instruction. Over the past few years, the district has worked closely with a diverse group of stakeholders—including staff, board members, local businesses, community organizations, and higher education institutions—to shape a forward-thinking approach to preparing students for an unpredictable future.
The district’s comprehensive educational strategy is focused on providing students with a wide range of experiences, opportunities, and resources to ensure they are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the practical skills and mindset necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world. “We’ve made intentional efforts to stay ahead of trends in education, technology, and industry,” Dr. Lentz said, “and that’s reflected in our dynamic curriculum and the experiences we offer students.”
At the core of New Hope-Solebury’s forward-thinking approach is its innovative Career Pathways program. Launched to provide students with a comprehensive, hands-on understanding of their potential future careers, this program allows learners to explore and tailor their education based on their personal interests and aspirations.
New Hope-Solebury School District senior participates in APEX, a 60-hour internship program, to gain hands-on experience in a career of his interest.
Starting in ninth grade, students are introduced to career exploration through a required course, where they can identify one of three focus areas: Arts and Humanities, Business and Communications, or Health Sciences, STEAM, and Innovation. This program gives students access to career-specific panels, guest speakers, and experiences designed to inform their decisions long before they reach college or the workforce.
A unique feature of this initiative is the APEX Project, a 60-hour internship program that culminates the students’ Career Pathways journey. Since its launch in 2020, the program has seen 100% senior participation, with nearly 600 students completing internships in diverse fields such as law, journalism, theater, automotive repair, fashion, and more. This immersive experience helps students gain practical, real-world insights into the careers they are exploring, ensuring they are well-prepared to make informed decisions about their future educational and professional paths.
“Rather than waiting until college to begin career exploration, we’re empowering our students to dive into the workforce and gain a real understanding of what careers actually look like,” Dr. Lentz explained. “Our students leave high school with not only the academic knowledge they need, but the practical experience that sets them apart from their peers.”
New Hope-Solebury’s curriculum is designed to address the needs of the whole student, integrating not only traditional academic subjects but also arts, technology, and social-emotional learning. The district emphasizes a Profile of a Graduate that includes ten key characteristics such as creativity, critical thinking, social intelligence, resilience, and collaboration. These “soft skills” are crucial to success in today’s interconnected and ever-evolving world.
In addition, the district’s adoption of block scheduling and the introduction of Lunch and Learn programs are examples of how it fosters flexible, student-centered learning. The K-12 STEAM initiative further enhances student engagement by combining Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math into integrated, hands-on learning experiences. These efforts ensure that New Hope-Solebury students are not only academically strong but also equipped with the skills and mindset needed to navigate and thrive in the challenges of the modern world.
The recognition of New Hope-Solebury as an AASA Learning 2025 Lighthouse District is a significant achievement, The district’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that students will continue to be prepared for an increasingly complex world.
“Being part of the AASA Learning 2025 Network is an exciting opportunity for us to collaborate with other districts and to continue refining our approach to education,” said Dr. Lentz. “Our work is never done. We will continue to evolve our strategies to meet the needs of our students and our community.”
As the New Hope-Solebury School District continues to lead the way in preparing future-ready learners, the message is clear: education must evolve with the times to ensure that every student is equipped to succeed in whatever path they choose. For New Hope-Solebury, this recognition is not just an acknowledgment of past accomplishments, but a springboard for the future. The district’s commitment to transformation and innovation will continue to shape the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and creators, empowering them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.