U.S. News and World Report ranked Pine-Richland High School as one of the top high schools in the nation in its 2024 rankings, announced April 23.
The publication named Pine-Richland as the fourth-best high school in the Pittsburgh metropolitan region, from among 140 schools. Pine-Richland is the top-ranked school in the northern Pittsburgh suburbs, and was ranked 12th among Pennsylvania’s 640 public high schools and 513th out of more than 25,000 high schools nationwide.
“Over the past decade, the district has invested significant effort into the areas of curriculum, assessment and instruction. That focus serves as our mission,” said Superintendent Brian Miller. “At the same time, we have continued to emphasize diverse learning opportunities and achievement in arts and music, athletics and a wide range of extracurricular activities.”
Pine-Richland High School saw a significant increase in rankings compared with last year, when it was ranked seventh in the Pittsburgh area, 12th in the state and 863rd in the nation.
The publication ranks schools based on students who:
• Demonstrate outstanding outcomes that surpass math, reading and science state assessment expectations and averages.
• Earn qualifying scores on college-level exams.
• Engage in rigorous class offerings through multiple advanced-placement courses.
• Have cohort graduation rates that well exceed the national average.
Weighted factors include college readiness, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth and graduation rate.
“We are extremely proud that our school has been recognized as one of the best high schools in Pennsylvania and across the nation,” said Frank Hernandez, principal. “College, career and community readiness are at the forefront of what we try to accomplish for our graduating seniors. This recognition showcases the exceptional work of our students and K-12 staff, as well as the ability of our graduating seniors to have a positive impact on the world around them.”
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With enrollment nearing 1,500, Pine-Richland High School boasts a 98% graduation rate. On average, over 90% of seniors pursue higher education immediately following graduation. Currently, 24 advanced-placement classes are offered, and 64% of students take at least one AP exam.
“Our daily focus on developing well-rounded students, and the immeasurable impact of fostering positive relationships with and between students, ultimately make PRHS a great place to learn,” Hernandez said.