High School Education in the Norristown Area School District

The Norristown Area School District is dedicated to fostering the success of students at Norristown Area High School and the Roosevelt Campus through a robust, standards-aligned secondary education program. With rigorous, research-based curricula and assessments, our goal is to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences essential for success in college, careers, and beyond.

NAHS Seal

Core Academic Areas and Electives

Our secondary curriculum spans core subjects like English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, along with a wide array of electives and advanced courses. This range of options ensures that students have opportunities to pursue personal interests and aspirations while meeting Pennsylvania academic standards. Programs such as the Odell Literacy Program in ELA and the Envisions Math Curriculum in Mathematics support students' growth in critical reading, writing, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Emphasis on Essential Skills

Across all subject areas, we emphasize the development of essential skills:

  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Through inquiry-based learning and real-world applications, students build analytical skills to navigate complex problems.

  • Communication: Students learn to articulate ideas effectively, an essential skill in academic and professional environments.

  • Collaboration and Creativity: Group work, project-based learning, and creative assignments encourage teamwork and innovative thinking.

Comprehensive Support and Opportunities

NAHS and Roosevelt Campus offer extensive support services, including guidance counseling and college and career resources, to help students make informed choices and achieve their educational goals. Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses provide academic challenges, while hands-on programs such as Technology Education (Tech Ed) and JROTC foster practical skills and leadership development.

Intervention Tools

The Norristown Area School District leverages Quill and IXL as intervention tools to enhance student learning in core areas.

  • Quill provides interactive, personalized activities focused on grammar, sentence construction, and writing mechanics, helping students build foundational writing skills critical for success in English Language Arts.

  • IXL supports personalized learning in subjects like Math and ELA through adaptive exercises that adjust to each student's performance, reinforcing foundational knowledge and addressing individual learning gaps.

These tools allow for targeted, skill-specific intervention, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to excel.

Subject Area Descriptions

For more information regarding specific courses please refer to the NAHS Program of Studies page.

Career and Technical Education

The Norristown Area School District partners with Central Montco Technical High School (CMTHS) and North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC) to offer high school students specialized career and technical education. These programs provide hands-on training in high-demand fields, equipping students with essential skills and opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications. CMTHS and NMTCC programs align with workforce needs, preparing students for both immediate employment and further education. With guidance from certified instructors with industry experience, students gain practical expertise and professional readiness, making these programs a valuable addition to Norristown Area students’ educational paths.

Central Montco Technical High School Logo

Act 158 Graduation Requirements

Under Pennsylvania’s Act 158, students are provided with multiple pathways to demonstrate their readiness for graduation, ensuring they meet the state's academic standards. Act 158 allows students various options beyond the Keystone Exams, such as alternative assessments or evidence-based options, to meet the requirements for high school graduation. For more information, visit the Act 158 page.

Through engaging content, a broad range of subject areas, and targeted support, Norristown Area School District’s secondary education program prepares students for bright and successful futures, whether in college, technical training, or the workforce.

National Assessments

ACT: A national college admissions exam covering English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. For more information, visit the ACT Website.

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams: Standardized exams administered each May that assess college-level knowledge and skills. For more information, visit the AP Website.

PSAT/NMSQT: A practice SAT that also serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship, measuring skills in reading, math, and writing. For more information, visit the PSAT/NMSQT Website.

SAT: A globally recognized college admissions test that evaluates critical thinking, math, and writing skills. For more information, visit the SAT Website.