PWCS clear trophy, three photos of neighborhood, student walking down hallway with teacher, and front of Loch Lomond ES

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) continues to distinguish itself through its appeal to families, impact in the classroom, and reputation as an exceptional place to work— affirmed recently by high ratings from Realtor.com and Forbes.

According to Realtor.com, PWCS ranks among the most popular school districts for families looking to relocate. An analysis of home shopping activity from May to July 2025 revealed that families are actively seeking homes near high-performing schools, and PWCS emerged as a top choice in the region.

The school district offers a compelling balance of strong academics and attainable housing, making it especially attractive to relocating families. PWCS schools are closely connected to neighborhoods and offer supportive learning environments within vibrant communities that reflect the values families seek.

“This is a district where people want to work, live, and learn,” said Dr. Babur Lateef, PWCS School Board Chairman At-Large. “Being recognized in this way reflects our strong schools, welcoming communities, and the trust families place in us.”

That trust is also shared by the teachers, administrators, and staff who shape the PWCS experience every day. Forbes named PWCS one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2025, making the district one of only four public school divisions in Virginia to earn this distinction. PWCS also leads Virginia with the highest starting teacher salary, a clear demonstration of its commitment to attracting top talent and investing in those who drive student success and strengthen community ties.

“Being named one of Virginia’s top employers is a testament to the incredible culture our educators and staff have built,” Dr. Lateef said. “We’ve worked hard to ensure that PWCS offers meaningful career paths, a strong sense of community, and a shared purpose. This recognition validates that effort and it reinforces our commitment to making sure every employee knows: You Belong Here.”

To create the list, Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey more than 160,000 employees working at companies with at least 500 employees across the United States. Respondents rated their employers on factors including wage parity, work culture, career advancement opportunities, and overall responsiveness to employee concerns.

Together, these recognitions highlight what makes PWCS an exceptional school district where families want to live, students are empowered to thrive, and employees are proud to grow their careers. As PWCS continues to build on its reputation for academic excellence and workplace culture, the school district remains committed to fostering a community where everyone feels valued, supported, and motivated to succeed.