2024 Best School Districts in Westmoreland County

• Murrysville, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.98 out of 5  61 reviews

Junior: Franklin is a pretty average school district. One thing I would like to see a change in is the math department. With the exception of a few teachers, the math teachers at Frankin are not the greatest. Overall, the teachers and staff are nice and very willing to help students who ask for it. I have witnessed minimal bullying and everyone at the school gets along pretty well, obviously with a few exceptions. I am a member of the marching band at Franklin, so I know firsthand that the music program here is excellent. There are many opportunities to expand your skills and abilities and get to as high of a level as the student wishes to go. The school also offers band trip opportunities where the band has gone to California, New York City, Disney, and more to play in parades and events and spend time there. Overall, Franklin Regional is a good place to learn.... Read 61 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 4

• Students 3,369

• Harrison City, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  29 reviews

Parent: I'm very pleased with the education and experiences that my two children received at Penn-Trafford. The high school renovation was completed around 2016 and the school is beautiful! The staff is very caring and assisted well beyond the classroom. The district is in a very safe area, and there is a lot of school spirit in the community.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 8

• Students 3,852

• Latrobe, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.41 out of 5  66 reviews

Alum: The Greater Latrobe School District is among the strongest school districts in Westmoreland County. The staff are very resourceful and show genuine interest in student success and personal achievement. Because of faculty encouragement and care, the district produces many high achieving graduates. With a 97% graduation rate, GLSD saw at least 14% of the 2022 seniors graduate with a 4.0 GPA or higher. One issue within the district is the language program, which is currently a pressing topic among the community. The district made a notion to remove French and German from the high school, to instead devote those resources to implementing Spanish in the elementary schools, but was met with deep opposition by students who preferred the diverse range of options as opposed to early exposure. Regardless of this riff between students and faculty, the strength and educational pride within the district is obvious through the genuine care for education that both students and staff exemplify.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 5

• Students 3,511

• North Huntingdon, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  82 reviews

Alum: Norwin School District was a very academically striving school with a dedicated staff that encourage students to strive for success. The curriculum was challenging in the best way and the variety of courses allowed students to achieve a well-rounded education. The sports programs were extremely dedicated to teaching discipline, hard work, and dedication. Numerous clubs of all different kinds were provided and available for students to get involved. The facilities provided to students were also extremely well kept, updated, and welcoming. Overall, I feel so lucky to have grown up and graduated from Norwin School District, because it gave me so much opportunity for success and for understanding the true value of a quality education.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 7

• Students 5,070

• Greensburg, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  143 reviews

Senior: Hempfield Area School District has been good to me. The thing that really makes the difference at Hempfield is the teachers. I have been privileged enough to have excellent teachers throughout my thirteen years of being a student. I would say the worst part of my experience is the disorganization of the renovation project. Hempfield is to be torn down and rebuilt. We were supposed to start this year but it has been pushed back to January. The high school definitely needs rebuilt; we have mold on the ceilings and ceiling tiles falling off. Overall, it is the students and teachers that make Hempfield what it is.... Read 143 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 9

• Students 5,304

• Vandergrift, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  51 reviews

Alum: I am a 2008 graduate of Kiski Area High School. At the time, I did not realize how good this school system was. We may not have had the best standardized test scores, but; we learned applicable academic skills that I could apply to my college studies. I went on to finish undergraduate studies, enroll in graduate school, and am now pursuing a doctorate. I would not have been nearly as prepared as I had not gone through my schooling at Kiski. I learned how to write beautifully and think outside of the box. I highly recommend Kiski Area. There are activities for all students. I was in the band and it was one of the best experiences of my life.... Read 51 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 6

• Students 3,405

• Lower Burrell, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.1 out of 5  39 reviews

Senior: One of the best out there! Even during a pandemic the school operated online to the highest standards. The teachers are great and give you extra push and motivation to ensure you will one day enter the "real world" and succeed.... Read 39 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,765

• Herminie, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.12 out of 5  34 reviews

Alum: My experience with Yough School District was very pleasant, personally. I loved my teachers, they were all excellent. The class sizes were small, which was great for one on one with the teacher and subject understanding. The schools diversity and facilities, however, are not as up to par and I would like to see that improve.... Read 34 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 5

• Students 1,805

• Greensburg, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.91 out of 5  64 reviews

Alum: As a former graduate of Greensburg Salem, I would have to say that this school district is the best district in the area. Of all the teachers that I encountered while at the district, I have found all of them to be dedicated to their field and student learning. The administration care for each student's progress and always take active measures to ensure student progress. The district is overall a great school district and I would say that they rank as one of the top districts in the area for academics, faculty, and safety. I say with confidence that almost all students who graduate from Greensburg Salem are ready for their next step in life. All students have emerged with a well-rounded education to pursue their next stage in life whether that be college or another avenue.... Read 64 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,602

• Belle Vernon, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.49 out of 5  39 reviews

Alum: I had very few good teachers. The teachers that made a difference in my schooling always believed in me! There were a lot of things I did not like about Belle Vernon, but overall I paved my own way to end up in Duquesne’s PA program.... Read 39 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 4

• Students 2,365

• Ligonier, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.91 out of 5  23 reviews

Alum: The Ligonier Valley School District is wonderful. The teachers and faculty really care for the students. There were a variety of classes offered, though sadly there were only two AP courses in high school when I went through. Despite this they offered other ways of getting college credit for a few classes. There were plenty of sport and club options in High School as well.... Read 23 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,408

• Scottdale, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.04 out of 5  27 reviews

Senior: I’ve been a student at Southmoreland for thirteen years now. It has been an amazing journey. I have learned a lot from all of the teachers that I’ve had all of these years. I got to participate in a lot of activities at school or even activities that weren’t held at the school. I participated in clubs. The clubs at the high school are super fun and a good way to get everyone involved. I can truly say that once a Scottie I will forever be a Scottie! I am proud to soon to be a Southmoreland graduate!... Read 27 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,829

• Derry, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.7 out of 5  33 reviews

Senior: I grew up in Derry all my life, and I can honestly say Derry Area School district is a great school. Our school has great education, staff, students and over all a friendly environment. At our school, you get the chance to attend a vo-tech school right down the road. Only a few chosen 9th graders got to start tech in 9th grade so I wish they’d change that since I started in 10th through 12th. Overall, Derry is a great community and even better school district. We even got voted best schools of 2021!... Read 33 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,834

• Mount Pleasant, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.63 out of 5  35 reviews

Senior: I have gone to Mount Pleasant since 7th grade, overall my experience has been positive. I have been on the advanced track since 7th grade so I have been privileged enough to be challenged by my teachers and peers. Any school is really what you make of it , some kids choose to slack off or cause trouble, the teachers and administration are fair and give many chances and options when it comes to a 'punishment' or discipline. The school is on the smaller side, since it is located in a suburbia/ more rural area.... Read 35 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 5

• Students 1,923

• Jeannette, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.79 out of 5  14 reviews

Senior: Because Jeannette is such a small school, students develop good relationships with the teachers, administration, and other staff. Class sizes are typically less than 20, which makes it easy to learn without distractions. Having small classes also makes it easier to ask questions and, as a result, get a good understanding of the content being taught.... Read 14 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 2

• Students 954

• Monessen, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.73 out of 5  15 reviews

Works Here: The district is diverse, and students are accepting of one another. The district staff has gone above and beyond to help meet the needs of our students. Many students in the district are financially and emotionally distressed. Staff has helped many students overcome obstacles facing students inside and outside of the classroom.... Read 15 reviews

• grade C

• Total schools 3

• Students 711

• New Kensington, PA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.06 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: Great Admin! Teachers really care. Tests scores are bad not its not a accurate depiction due to the high number of special needs students whose scores are all averaged in.... Read 17 reviews

• grade D

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,999