Saratoga Schools Receive National Music Education Honor for Second Year in a Row

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.

Now in its 26th year, the designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate “outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.”

“This honor reflects our district’s deep commitment to the arts and the outstanding efforts of our music educators, students, families, and community partners,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton.

“Music education is an essential part of a well-rounded education for many students here at Saratoga Springs, equipping us with skills that extend far beyond the classroom,” said Thomas Bundy, president of the Saratoga Springs High School Tri-M Music Honor Society. “It provides opportunities to collaborate with peers, explore diverse cultures, express ourselves creatively, and build lifelong skills—all while enriching both our school and local community.” 

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the Saratoga Springs School District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.