Evaluating school health practices in Pennsylvania: Development, results, and insights of the revised 2024–2025 healthy champions assessment

Objective This manuscript describes updates to the Healthy Champions school health assessment, revised to align with evolving Pennsylvania and national policies. For the 2024–2025 program year, the tool was updated to reflect best practices that emerged since COVID-19, and current trends in school health. Methods Data were collected via the web-based Healthy Champions assessment, open from April–June 2024. The assessment, including five sections – Physical Activity and Education; Nutritional Environment; Counseling and Psychological Services; Health Services and Education; and School Health Environment and Culture, surveyed schools on best practices and regulatory standards. Responses were scored as section scores and analyses examined differences by respondent role type. Results Among the 328 responding schools, two-thirds ( n = 216, 65.9%) meet or exceed standards in all five sections. The highest scores were observed in Health Services and Education, and Psychological Services and Education, while lowest scores fell in the School Health Environment and Culture section. Conclusions Despite high reports of adherence to standards, findings reveal challenges in achieving comprehensive practices. Strengthening school health councils and wellness policies, in concert with improved policies, represent key opportunities to enhance school health in Pennsylvania.