FCASD EARNS TOP STATE RANKING, NAMED‘ DISTRICT ON THE RISE’ IN U. S. ox Chapel Area
FCASD EARNS TOP STATE RANKING, NAMED‘ DISTRICT ON THE RISE’ IN U. S. ox Chapel Area
FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOL NEWS
The Fox Chapel Area School District recently received two major recognitions highlighting student achievement and growth at the regional, state, and national levels.
The Pittsburgh Business Times ranked Fox Chapel Area as the top public school district in both Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in its 2026 Guide to Southwestern Pennsylvania Schools. This marks the third consecutive year the district has earned the No. 1 ranking in both categories.
In addition, the Education Scorecard – a collaboration between Stanford University’ s Educational Opportunity Project and Harvard University’ s Center for Education Policy Research – designated Fox Chapel Area as a“ District On the Rise.” The distinction recognizes school districts that are improving faster than their peers in both math and reading achievement, as measured by available standardized testing data. Fox Chapel Area is one of only 108 districts nationwide to receive this designation.
10 FOX CHAPEL AREA
Grade-Level Rankings
The following Pittsburgh Business Times grade-level rankings are based on three years of standardized test scores – 2023, 2024, and 2025.
All the district’ s tested grade levels ranked in either the No. 1 or No. 2 spot in the region as follows:
Grade 3 – No. 2 Grade 7 – No. 1 Grade 4 – No. 2 Grade 8 – No. 2 Grade 5 – No. 1 Grade 11 – No. 1 Grade 6 – No. 1
Superintendent Dr. Mary Catherine Reljac said the recognitions reflect the collective efforts of students, staff, families, district leadership, and the broader school community.
“ Although no school district is merely a ranking or designation, it is impossible to have this kind of recognition without significant alignment, a talented staff, continuous improvement and development, administrative leadership, and a supportive board of school directors,” Dr. Reljac says.
The Pittsburgh Business Times rankings are based on a proprietary formula using standardized test data from 2023, 2024, and 2025. The Education Scorecard evaluates academic growth trends across school districts throughout the country.
The recognitions represent more than academic performance, Dr. Reljac says, noting that Fox Chapel Area students are also consistently recognized in the arts, athletics, and service learning, as staff members work to support student growth both inside and outside the classroom.