Canon-McMillan School District
Canon-McMillan School District, a 6A-sized district sprawling across 57 square miles, serves as a beacon of educational opportunity and advancement in Southwestern Pennsylvania. With five elementary schools, two intermediate schools, one middle school, a high school, and a cyber academy, the district is dedicated to addressing the unique needs of its diverse student body. The district's partnerships with local businesses in Canonsburg and the bustling business hub of Southpointe ensure students have access to real-world work experiences and training opportunities that enhance career readiness.
In recent years, Canon-McMillan has invested significantly in infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of its students. This transformation includes a state-of-the-art middle school and district office, a brand-new high school weight room, and continuous upgrades district-wide. These improvements signify Canon-McMillan's dedication to creating a forward-looking, supportive learning environment where students are equipped for future success.
At the elementary level, Muse Elementary stands out with its bright, engaging hallways adorned with murals and student art, reflecting the district’s commitment to fostering creativity. Here, the cross-curricular Structured Literacy Program transforms concepts in subjects like math and science into vibrant art projects, integrating key skills across disciplines. Classrooms are open, buzzing with activity as students benefit from the Wilson Language multimodal approach, Fundations, which enriches reading, spelling, and handwriting skills through engaging, evidence-based literacy practices. Outside, students have access to a new playground and a "Muse Milers" walking track where they can earn prizes for miles completed during Wednesday recess.
Canon-McMillan's recently opened middle school, completed in 2023, is a prime example of modern educational design and technology integration. Each of its three floors houses "Team Rooms" for collaboration, 3D printers, VR equipment, STEM labs, and coding platforms, all aimed at cultivating critical thinking and innovation. Student “lockers,” or cubby spaces, line the halls, allowing students to keep belongings organized as they transition between classes. The middle school's facilities, including a woodshop, soundproofed band and chorus rooms, and classrooms dedicated to music, art, technology, and family consumer sciences, rival those found on university campuses.
At Canon-McMillan High School, students experience a rich academic and extracurricular environment with access to a Chromebook for each student, providing a 1:1 technology experience. The recently rebranded front lobby and gym, adorned with school colors and logos, add a sense of pride and unity, while the Hall of Honor celebrates distinguished alumni, inspiring students with stories of success. The Big Mac Beanery, a coffee shop run by the life skills class in the library, brings the school community together with specialty coffee beverages. Among the high school’s standout programs is the “Zoo in the Classroom,” where students can study 25 unique species up close, including bearded dragons, geckos, turtles, and tarantulas—providing hands-on learning opportunities aligned with the district’s College in High School initiative.
Canon-McMillan High School also prioritizes student well-being with its Chill Room, developed in collaboration with Allegheny Health Network. Equipped with weighted blankets, art supplies, and other tools, this dedicated space supports mental health, offering students a place to unwind and practice mindfulness. The high school’s tech classes are equally impressive, featuring laser cutters, vinyl printers and cutters, t-shirt presses, and more. With a new blue and gold weight room, an on-site pool as part of the curriculum, and a dedicated wrestling room, the high school provides robust facilities for both academic and physical development.
Canon-McMillan School District is a testament to educational excellence, with offerings that go above and beyond for students at every level. The high school provides an impressive array of academic choices, including 22 AP courses, 26 honors courses, and more than 40 clubs. In 2024 alone, graduating students reported over $5.7 million in scholarships, showcasing the district's dedication to academic success. The middle school's collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University enhances the curriculum further, while the district's elementary schools continue to set the standard for inclusive, growth-centered learning experiences. Through its innovative programs, strong community partnerships, and ongoing commitment to improvement, Canon-McMillan is preparing students for a bright future.
