Pleasant Valley High School has been recognized for academic excellence by U.S. News & World Report.

Superintendent James Konrad said that he received notification on Aug. 19 from the publication that the high school was going to be recognized. It is listed in the top 40% of high schools in the nation.

The publication ranks about 18,000 high schools nationwide, Konrad said. This is the first time Pleasant Valley High School has achieved the recognition.

The ranking “shows a remarkable improvement of over 30% from last year,” Konrad said. “This growth is worth celebrating, and our administration will continue to support the excellent work happening in our classrooms. While there’s always room for improvement, this achievement proves we’re on our way.”

Konrad said he thinks the recognition is because the high school has increased the number of Advanced Placement and concurrent enrollment courses it offers students. They can now earn 30 college credits while in high school.

Konrad noted that over the last two years more than 100 seniors have been awarded over $7 million in scholarships. Plus, both graduation rates and Keystone exam scores are increasing.

“We’re moving in the right direction, and I’m incredibly proud of our entire staff, especially our teachers, who have a direct impact on student learning,” Konrad said.

The recognition is the second national accolade in recent years.

In June 2024, Pleasant Valley High School’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter earned a first-place win as the FBLA Champion Chapter at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Following the award, Denise Hopely, who was their adviser at the time, said, “As the adviser for Pleasant Valley FBLA, winning this chapter award represents a significant achievement for PVSD, PV-FBLA, and FBLA on both national and international levels. These dedicated members demonstrate an unwavering commitment to competition, leveraging the FBLA platform to enhance community service across all schools. Their initiatives aim to boost student confidence, create opportunities, and promote growth in various aspects of life.”

Hopely retired from teaching in September 2024.