Principal
Dr. Frank Hernandez
Phone: 724-625-4444, ext. 1603
Email: fhernandez@pinerichland.org
The Pine-Richland School Board approved Dr. Frank A. Hernandez as principal of Pine-Richland High School at the board planning meeting on June 6, 2022. Over the last three years, Dr. Hernandez has focused his leadership and the high school team on continuous improvement in the areas of school culture and safety, instructional planning and lesson implementation, data analysis, community connections and student services.
Dr. Hernandez firmly believes that “when schools are operating at their highest level, they are the center of a community and a source of pride and connection for students and families. Our high school seeks to meet the Pine-Richland mission by ensuring that every graduating student is college, career, and community ready when they leave PR.”
Since becoming principal, Dr. Hernandez has helped lead Pine-Richland High School as one of only three western Pennsylvania schools that earned an AP School Honor Roll Gold Award in 2023 and a US News & World Report top three best public high schools ranking. He has also led initiatives that have re-connected graduates and Pine-Richland through Past Graduates Day, while community service and involvement have also increased through annual blood drives, Veterans Day recognition, and student leadership development that annually raises thousands of dollars to support pediatric cancer awareness and research. World Kindness Day is also now celebrated with weeklong activities aimed at promoting togetherness and opportunities for all of Pine-Richland High School’s students to connect with each other and build mutual respect. The Pine-Richland High School Lip Dub 2023 and the Pine-Richland High School Lip Dub 2026 are two examples of PRHS celebrating and connecting all students.is one example of PRHS celebrating and connecting all students.
Dr. Hernandez earned a doctorate in educational administration with a superintendent’s letter of eligibility, as well as a master of education in school leadership from the University of Pittsburgh. He was named a Distinguished Principal’s Award recipient while participating in the Principal’s Academy of Western Pennsylvania. Prior to coming to Pine-Richland, Dr. Hernandez served in administrative roles within the West Allegheny and Freedom Area school districts and at Baden Academy Charter School. While serving as the middle school principal at West Allegheny, his school earned the prestigious Don Eichhorn National Schools to Watch designation in 2018.
Dr. Hernandez would like all students and parents to know that “at PRHS, we believe it is cool to be kind!”
For more information about Dr. Hernandez, please see PRHS's Dr. Hernandez.
We are incredibly proud to announce that Pine-Richland High School has been officially awarded reaccreditation by the Middle States Association for a full seven-year term, extending through 2033.
As the end of the third quarter draws near, we are also close to finishing our scheduling process for next school year. School Counselors have been meeting with individual students since February 17, where final course requests were made.The deadline to submit discrepancy questions is Monday, March 23.
As we head into the spring season and begin the final stretch of the 2025-2026 school year, we are sharing a few important reminders to help our school community finish the year strong.
We would like to say thank you for a fun and student support-focused Quarter 1 Review Assembly.
We wanted to share a quick update with you regarding student cell phone use and availability during our school day. Students may bring their cell phones to school and use them during Homeroom, Study Hall, Lunch, and in between classes; however, we are requiring cell phones to be turned in to a designated location during class periods.