Penn St
Export, PA 15632

This school is a much better fit for our kids than NA.

My son graduated from FRHS and my daughter is currently a junior. I understand the view of many reviewers here that the community is predominantly wealthy, and some of the kids can be very classist in how they treat others. There's a history here that's important to understand: The county income tax in Westmoreland County is 0.5%, but in Allegheny County it's 1%. Murrysville is the closest town to Pittsburgh on a highway, and outside of Allegheny County. Highly paid engineers and professionals who work in Pittsburgh move to Murrysville to reduce their tax exposure. Export is an old coal-town. Coal operations here have long since wound down, but there are still many families of lesser means living in Export. Kids from both towns go to Franklin Regional schools. The Export families are more socially and environmentally conservative, the Murrysville families are more economically conservative. They all go to the same churches. They almost all vote Republican, but they are animated by different issues... and the rich kids can be a little snobby.Our experience has been largely affected by the Band program. Franklin Regional, starting in the 5th grade, has an amazing band program. Really one of the best in the state. They perform regularly in the biggest parades in the country. My kids have marched in the Rose Parade, the Macy's Parade and the Inaugural Parade. Within the band program, the kids are very supportive of each other regardless of income level, and treat each other respectfully as musicians. The kids generally supply their own instruments, but the schools have a lot of instruments to lend (an advantage of living in a wealthy community), so it's very accessible to lower income families. Another observation is that FR is very accepting and welcoming to LGBTQ students and families. Despite the general "red-state" lean of the community, there seems to be strong support for gay rights.It's an interesting place, not a bad place to live, and if a kid shows a predilection towards making music, FR is a great district to help nurture that talent.

I love this school. They offer so many services for your child. if they need additional help, the school staff is there. Mr. King the schools principal is very involved in every childs education. I have 4 children going through the franklin regional school district and I am very pleased with their education.