Western Pennsylvania attracts many families who want to live in the South Hills of Pittsburgh because it combines great neighborhoods with excellent schools. 

The Peters Township, Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, Cranberry Township, and Bethel Park districts attract homebuyers who want excellent schools. The 2025 School Guide published by Pittsburgh Business Times confirmed these districts' excellent reputations, ranking them among the top districts in Pennsylvania.

Why School Districts Matter for Families

The search for a place to live starts by examining the quality of the local schools. Academic achievement, extracurricular opportunities, and community support all play a role. The 2025 School Guide evaluates districts according to test scores, teacher qualifications, and college readiness metrics that parents use to find a suitable environment for their children to succeed.

2025 School Guide: South Hills Districts Shine

Here’s how the leading South Hills school districts performed in the latest rankings:

District % of Schools in Top 5% Statewide Notable High School Rank State/Regional Rank

Upper St. Clair 83% Upper St. Clair HS: Top 1% (Math 92%, Reading 91%) #2 in PA, #5 in Pittsburgh area

Peters Township 80% Peters Twp HS: Top 5% (Math 87%, Reading 86%) #10 in Pittsburgh area

Mt. Lebanon 60% Mt. Lebanon Sr. HS: Top 1% (Math 93%, Reading 91%) #15 in Pittsburgh area

Bethel Park 

*Note: Cranberry Township is served by the Seneca Valley School District, which is well-regarded but not in the top tier for 2025.

Upper St. Clair School District

The Upper St. Clair School District has kept its status as a top-performing district since 83% of its schools are ranked in the top 5% statewide. Upper St. Clair High School performs exceptionally well in Pennsylvania state rankings because it has among the top 1% scores in both math and reading tests. Upper St. Clair’s dedication to improvement, community backing, and broad variety of extracurriculars keep families coming back year after year.

Peters Township School District

80% of the schools in Peters Township achieve high rankings at the state level. Peters Township High School maintains excellent academic results while providing many diverse programs both in academics and extracurricular activities. The district draws families to its community because of its active community involvement and commitment to providing children with stability and educational opportunities.

Mt. Lebanon School District

Schools in Mt. Lebanon maintain high standards, as 60% of them are ranked among the top 5% in the state. Mt. Lebanon Senior High School is number one in Pennsylvania for its outstanding math and reading achievement. The district maintains a supportive atmosphere and offers numerous opportunities for students to develop their abilities.

Bethel Park and Cranberry Township

Even though Bethel Park and Cranberry Township do not rank among the top in the state, they provide excellent academic education and supportive communities. The districts offer numerous extracurricular activities while maintaining inclusive environments, focusing on student needs.

Why This Matters: Education and Home Values

Real estate demand in the South Hills depends heavily on the quality of schools in the area. Real estate values in the Peters Township, Upper St. Clair, and Mt. Lebanon districts remain stable because families are willing to invest in properties near excellent schools. Because of high market competition, homebuyers need to act fast and develop strategic plans to find the right home in their desired school district.

How Families Can Find the Right Fit

Begin your search by consulting the 2025 School Guide and other authoritative resources that evaluate district performance.

See the Schools Firsthand: Tour the campuses, speak with educators, and experience the community spirit.

We have knowledge of the area that can assist families in finding the correct neighborhood and school district that match their requirements.

When you buy a house in a district with high academic standards, you achieve two goals: you get an excellent education and you build a strong investment for your family’s future.

Final Thoughts

The South Hills of Pittsburgh—Peters Township, Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, Cranberry Township, and Bethel Park—offer among the top educational opportunities in Pennsylvania. The districts in this area provide academic success, enduring home value, and supportive community backing for families relocating to the area.