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We are excited to share that New Palestine Community Schools was recently featured in the August 2026 edition of Business View Magazine as part of its “Best in Education” coverage. The eight-page feature, titled “Dragon Excellence Every Day,” highlights NPCS as a district that combines academic achievement, community collaboration, and future-focused learning to prepare students for success.

The article provides a wonderful snapshot of the work happening throughout NPCS and closely aligns with the priorities of our new strategic plan. It highlights our focus on strong relationships, meaningful learning, and community pride, as well as the tremendous partnerships we have developed with businesses, local government, healthcare providers, civic organizations, and families.

The feature also showcases several areas of which we can be especially proud, including our approach to balancing technology with meaningful learning, robotics and advanced manufacturing opportunities, student and staff wellness initiatives, career pathways and work-based learning, and our commitment to preparing students for multiple pathways after graduation.

One statistic highlighted in the article that speaks to the strength of our community partnerships is the 72 partners who participated in our career fair, providing students with exposure to a wide range of professions and future opportunities. The article also recognizes that approximately one-fifth of recent graduates completed either the Indiana College Core or earned an associate degree while still in high school.

This national feature is a tremendous reflection of our students, staff, families, and community. What makes NPCS special is not one program or accomplishment—it is the collective commitment of so many people to provide outstanding opportunities for our students. It was exciting to see Dragon Excellence Every Day showcased to a national audience and NPCS recognized among the Best in Education.

New Palestine Community Schools is proud to announce that New Palestine High School has once again earned national recognition in the 2026–2027 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings.

New Palestine High School ranks among the top 7% of high schools statewide and the top 7% of high schools nationwide, earning the designation of a U.S. News Best High School for 2026–2027.

The recognition places NPHS among the top-performing high schools in the country and reflects the continued commitment to strong relationships, meaningful learning, and community pride.

“We are extremely proud of NPHS and the incredible work of our students, teachers, staff, and families,” said Dr. Gina Pleak, Superintendent of New Palestine Community Schools. “Being recognized as a top high school in the state and the nation reflects the commitment to excellence that exists throughout our school community. NPHS is such a special place to learn and grow, and this recognition is well deserved.”

The U.S. News Best High Schools rankings evaluate high schools across the country using a variety of academic performance measures. Schools that rank among the top 40% nationally earn the U.S. News Best High Schools designation.

New Palestine High School's recognition continues a strong tradition of academic achievement within New Palestine Community Schools. The district has consistently focused on equipping every student to embrace challenges, pursue excellence, and create a successful future. 

“We know that recognitions like this are ultimately about people,” said Jim Voelz, principal of New Palestine High School. “Our students continue to challenge themselves, our teachers provide exceptional learning experiences, and our families and community provide tremendous support. This recognition is a reflection of that collective effort.”

New Palestine Community Schools congratulates the students, faculty, staff, families, and community members who contribute to the continued success of New Palestine High School.

Additional ranking information is available through the New Palestine High School U.S. News & World Report profile at https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/indiana/districts/southern-hancock-county-com-sch-corp/new-palestine-high-school-7411.

New Palestine, IN — New Palestine Community Schools (NPCS) is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a 2026 Top Workplace, an honor that celebrates organizations committed to building exceptional workplace cultures and empowering employees to thrive.

The Top Workplaces designation is based entirely on employee feedback gathered through a confidential survey measuring key elements of workplace culture, including leadership, communication, connection, professional growth, and employee engagement.

This recognition reflects the strong culture that exists across New Palestine Community Schools, one rooted in collaboration, support, innovation, and a shared commitment to student success.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition because it comes directly from the voices of our staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Gina Pleak. “Our teachers, support staff, and administrators are the heart of our district. Their dedication to one another and to our students is what makes NPCS such a special place to work and learn. To represent New Palestine Community Schools and public education through this recognition is truly an honor. We are proud of the culture we have built together in support of our students, families, and one another.”

NPCS has long prioritized creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and connected. Through professional learning opportunities, collaborative leadership structures, staff wellness initiatives, and a strong sense of community, the district continues to invest in the people who make a difference in the lives of students every day.

This mission-centered approach to education continues to foster an environment where staff members are empowered to innovate, collaborate, and grow professionally while supporting connected, authentic, and meaningful learning experiences for students.

New Palestine Community Schools is grateful for the dedication of its employees and proud to celebrate this recognition together as a community.