Posted 4/10/2024

For the eighth year in a row, the School District of Palm Beach County has earned the prestigious Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. 

The award recognizes the District’s exceptionally high commitment and access to music education, and its emphasis on creating an environment where each child can learn and grow with music. The designation is a testament to the collective efforts of teachers, administrators, students, parents, and the community who have helped make music a part of a well-rounded education for every child. 

“I am proud of our music teachers, administrators, upper leadership, and community partners for achieving this outstanding recognition,” said Cleve Maloon, the District’s K-12 Arts Education Program Planner. 

The District is one of only seven in Florida to earn the distinction for 2024. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, and facilities. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the research and project team at the NAMM Foundation.

The 2018 Tax Referendum has made this success possible and helped support arts instruction in the District by funding more than 750 school fine arts, choice and career academy positions. Palm Beach County voters renewed their support for the Referendum in 2022, ensuring its continuation and the ongoing funding of school fine arts programs in the District.

The School District of Palm Beach County serves more than 167,000 students in the areas of Music, Visual Arts, Theater Arts, Dance, and TV Production. Students have the opportunity to experience the arts in elementary, middle, and high school through a variety of course offerings.