Pittsburgh Public Schools

Pittsburgh Public Schools is the public school district in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States and adjacent Mount Oliver.

Pittsburgh Public Schools
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
United States
District information
TypePublic school
MottoExpect Great Things
GradesPre-K–12
Established1794
SuperintendentWayne Walters
Budget$625,100,000
Students and staff
Students23,331
Athletic conferencePIAA District 8
ColorsBlack, Gold
Other information
WebsitePittsburgh Public Schools
Map of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Public School Districts
Board of Education's Administration Building in Oakland

The combined land area of these municipalities is 58.3 square miles (151 km2) with a population of 342,503 according to the 2000 census.[1] The school district operates 54 schools with 3,900 full-time employees (1,985 teachers) and serves 23,331 students with a 2018 General Fund Budget of $625.1 million, or nearly $26,800/student.[2]

History

The formation of Pittsburgh's public schools was due to the passing of the Pennsylvania Free Public School Act of 1834. This act provided government aid for the establishment of a city school system which included the creation of four wards that were self-governed. Twenty years later, the wards were disbanded, and the Central Board of Education was founded. This board would govern the entire school district which would consist of nine wards or sub- districts. The first city superintendent of schools was elected in 1868. In 1911, the School Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania modified the existing system to include a Board of Public education that would oversee sixty-one sub-districts and two central boards. The Public School Code (Title 22) of 1949 further regulated the provisions and establishment of Pennsylvania state schools.[1]

Feeder Neighborhoods

The following City of Pittsburgh high schools serve the denoted City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods:[3]

Taylor Allderdice High School
Glen Hazel, Hays, Hazelwood, Greenfield, Lincoln Place, East Hills(lower), New Homestead, Point Breeze, Regent Square, Squirrel Hill and Swisshelm Park.
Carrick High School
Allentown, Arlington, Arlington Heights, Beltzhoover, Bon Air, Carrick, Overbrook, Mt. Oliver (Pittsburgh section), Southside Slopes and St. Clair.
Brashear High School
Banksville, Beechview, Brookline, Chartiers City, Crafton Heights, Duquesne Heights, East Carnegie, Elliot, Esplen, Fairywood, Mount Washington, Oakwood, Ridgemont, Sheriden, South Shore, Southside Flats, West End, Westwood and Windgap.
Perry Traditional Academy High School
Allegheny Center, Allegheny West, Brighton Heights, California-Kirkbride, Central Northside, Chateau, East Allegheny, Fineview, Manchester, Marshall-Shadeland, North Shore, Northview Heights, Perry North, Perry South, Spring Garden, Spring Hill-City View, Summer Hill and Troy Hill.
Milliones University Preparatory High School
Bedford Dwellings, Bloomfield, Bluff, Central Business District, Central Lawrenceville, Crawford-Roberts, Friendship, Garfield, Lower Lawrenceville, Middle Hill, Morningside, Polish Hill, Stanton Heights, Strip District, Terrace Village, Upper Hill, Upper Lawrenceville and West Oakland.
Westinghouse High School
East Hills(upper), East Liberty, Highland Park, Homewood North, Homewood South, Homewood West, Larimer, Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar and Point Breeze North.

Academics

Accelerated Learning Academies

As part of the final right-sizing plan approved by the Board in February 2006, eight of the poorer performing schools were transformed into Accelerated Learning Academies (ALAs).[4][5] These schools were put on a longer school year calendar[6] with 10 extra days, as well as a longer school day adding 45 minutes of instructional time.[7] The ALAs use the America's Choice Design Model,[8] developed by the National Center on Education and the Economy.

Kaplan Curriculum

In early 2006 the district contracted with Kaplan K12 Learning Services to develop a core curriculum for grades 6 through 12. The core curriculum will be phased in over the course of three years: during the 2006–7 school year the district will implement the new curriculum for English in grades 6–10 and Math in grades 6, 9 and 10; in 2007-8 English in grades 11 and 12, Math in grades 7 and 11, and Science in grades 6–11 will start; and Math grade 8, and Social Studies grades 6–11 will start in 2008–9. Lesson plans and curriculum coaching will be provided to teachers, and the students will undergo benchmark testing every 6 weeks to assess student progress. Each school will have curriculum coaches on-site to aid teachers and provide them with professional development. The Key Concepts presented in the curriculum will be aligned with the state standards tested for in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment annual tests.[9] In July, 2010, Bill Gates noted that the school system is a model due to its teacher performance initiatives.[10]

Signature

The district trademark was created with the Design Department of Carnegie Mellon University. The colorful central building blocks and the Pittsburgh Public Schools logotype together form the PPS "signature."

The multi-colored building blocks are closely associated with children and child development. They represent the multi-cultural community of Pittsburgh and the diversity of the programs and students in the district. The blocks are also versatile in that they can be used in any media either in color or black and white.[11]

The Pittsburgh Promise

On December 13, 2006 Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and then Superintendent Mark Roosevelt announced The Pittsburgh Promise initiative. Starting in 2008 The Promise will make available to all graduates satisfying the criteria a scholarship to any accredited post-secondary institution within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The $5–7 million per year necessary to fund this will be raised through private contributions from foundations and corporations.[12]

The Pittsburgh Promise is similar to an existing program in Kalamazoo, Michigan known as the Kalamazoo Promise. A joint City and School District task force will be formed to develop the plan. Work has been done by the District's High School Reform Task Force and the Mayor's Business and Economic Development Committee.[13]

In January 2007 the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers made the first contribution to The Pittsburgh Promise scholarship program. The donation by the union was to show the teachers' support for the program.[14]

In 2008, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center made a $10 million donation with a commitment for as much as $90 million in additional matching funds over the next nine years.[15]

Board of education

The Pittsburgh Public Schools have an elected nine-member Board, who serve without pay. Each member represents a geographic region of the City, and serves for a four-year term.[16]

Schools

Elementary schools (K–5)

K–8 Schools

Middle Schools (6–8) and Accelerated Learning Academies

Eighth Grade Rankings

The Pittsburgh Business Times ranked 141 western Pennsylvania eighth grades in 2009. The ranking was based on student academic achievement as reflected by three years of results on: math, reading, writing and one year of science PSSAs.[17]

  • Allegheny Traditional Academy Middle School - 120th
  • Arlington Accelerated Learning Academy (two campuses: K–2 & 3–8) - 116th
  • Arsenal Middle School - 134th
  • Carmalt K-8 - 101st
  • Pittsburgh Classical Academy Middle School - 115th
  • Greenfield K-8 - 111th
  • Lincoln K-5 - 135th
  • Mifflin K-8 - 107th
  • Rogers Middle School for the Creative and Performing Arts - 23rd
  • A. J. Rooney Accelerated Learning Academy - 140th
  • Schiller 6-8 - 118th
  • South Brook Middle School - 114th
  • South Hills Middle School - 99th
  • Sterrett Classical Academy - 52nd
  • Sunnyside K-8 - 123rd

Secondary Schools, grades (9-12) and grades (6-12)

In 2009, US News and World report ranked 21,000 public high schools, in the United States, based on three factors. First, the schools were analyzed for the number of students who achieved above the state average on the reading and math tests in 2008. Then they considered how the economically disadvantaged students performed against the state average. Finally, they considered the participation rate and the performance of students in college readiness by examining Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate test data. Seventy Pennsylvania high schools achieved ranking bronze, silver or gold rating. Fifty three Pennsylvania high schools achieved bronze.[18] Eight high schools in Allegheny County and 2 Pittsburgh School District high schools achieved inclusion in the ranking. Brashear High School and Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts achieved Bronze ranking.

Special schools

Charter schools

As required by Pennsylvania state law, the District funds a number of Charter schools:[19]

Federal Stimulus grant

The district received an extra $41,961,757 in ARRA - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[23] This funding is for the 2009-2011 school years. Some of that money was used for a five-week summer-school program that began in 2010. Summer Dreamers is open to all students heading into grades 6, 7 and 8.

Closed schools
School Location Opened Closed Notes
Arlington Middle School Arlington 1996[24] 2004[25]
Baxter Middle School Homewood North 1908 1978[26] Now Student Achievement Center.
Belmar Elementary School Homewood North 1903[27] 2004[25] Used as Homewood Montessori (2004-2006) and Lincoln 6-8 (2006–2011). Now vacant.[28]
Beltzhoover Elementary School Beltzhoover 1909 2004[25]
Bon Air Elementary School Bon Air 1956[29] 2006[30]
Burgwin Elementary School Hazelwood 1937[31] 2006[30]
Chartiers Elementary School Windgap 1959[32] 2004[25] Now Chartiers Early Childhood Center.
Chatham Elementary School Perry North 1924[33] 2006[30]
Clayton Elementary School Perry South 1958[34] 2006[30]
Columbus Middle School Perry South 1967[35] 2006[30]
Clifford B. Connelley Vocational High School Crawford-Roberts/Uptown Pittsburgh 1930 2004[25] Secondary School
Crescent Elementary School East Hills 1939[36] 2006[30]
H. B. Davis Elementary School Squirrel Hill South 1932[37] 1980[38] Demolished in 1984.[39]
East Hills Elementary School East Hills 1972[40] 2006[30]
Fifth Avenue High School Uptown 1894 1976
Fort Pitt Elementary School Garfield 1905 2012[41]
Frick Middle School North Oakland 1927 2009[42] Now Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy.
Friendship Elementary School Friendship 1899 2006[30] Now Pittsburgh Montessori School.
Gladstone Middle School Hazelwood 1914 2001[43] Was also a high school from 1960 to 1976.
Greenway Middle School Crafton Heights 1974[44] 2006[30] Now Pittsburgh Classical Academy Middle School.
Knoxville Middle School Knoxville 1927 2006[30]
Larimer Elementary School Larimer 1896 1980[38]
Lee Elementary School Beechview 1912 1980[38]
Lemington Elementary School Lincoln–Lemington–Belmar 1937 2006[30]
Madison Elementary School Upper Hill 1902 2006[30]
Horace Mann Elementary School Marshall-Shadeland 1874[45] 2006[30]
McCleary Elementary School Upper Lawrenceville 1900 2006[30]
William H. McKelvy Elementary School Bedford Dwellings 1916[46] 2001[43] Now Miller African Centered Academy.
McNaugher Middle School Perry South 1909[47] 1983[35]
Margaret Milliones Middle School Upper Hill 1928[48] 2006[28] Originally Herron Hill Junior High. Now University Prep 6-12.[28]
Morningside Elementary School Morningside 1897 2006[30]
Samuel F. B. Morse Elementary School South Side Flats 1874 1980[38]
Murray Elementary School Mount Oliver 1955[49] 2012[41] Now Arlington PreK-8.
Northview Heights Elementary School Northview Heights 1962[50] 2012[41]
David B. Oliver High School Marshall-Shadeland 1925 2012[41] Now Oliver Citywide Academy.
Peabody High School East Liberty 1911 2011 Now Barack Obama Academy of International Studies 6-12.
Prospect Middle School Mount Washington 1931 2006[30]
Regent Square Elementary School Regent Square 1928[48] 2004[25] Now Environmental Charter School.
Florence Reizenstein Middle School Shadyside 1975 2008 Used as Schenley High (2008–2011) and Obama Academy 6-12 (2009–2012). Demolished in 2013.[28]
Arthur J. Rooney Sr. Middle School Brighton Heights 1997[51] 2010[52] Now Morrow 6-8.
Schaeffer Elementary School Crafton Heights 1960[53] 2012[41]
Schenley High School North Oakland 1916 2011[28] The Schenley building was closed in 2008, but the name continued to be used at a different location until the last class of existing students graduated in 2011.[28]
Sheraden Elementary School Sheraden 1959[53] 2006[30]
South Hills High School Mount Washington 1917[54] 1986[55]
South Vocational-Technical High School South Side Flats 1897 2004[25]
Spring Garden Elementary School Troy Hill 1939[36] 2004[25] Now Spring Garden Early Childhood Center.
Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School Elliott 1939[36] 2012[41]
Washington Polytechnic Middle School Central Lawrenceville 1937 2006[30]
West Side Traditional Academy Fairywood 1922[56] 2001[43] Originally Fairywood Elementary.
Wightman Elementary School Squirrel Hill North 1897 1980[38]

Charter Schools Closed
  • Career Connections Charter Middle School 6–8 — Charter revoked by Board on 27 September 2006[57] — Closed 29 November 2006[58]

Athletics

PIAA District 8

Elementary school
Winter — Swimming
Spring — Track
Middle school
Fall — Cross Country, Girls Softball, Boys Softball, Boys Volleyball, Girls Volleyball
Winter — Swimming, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball
Spring — Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Wrestling
High school
Fall — Cross Country, Football, JV Football, Golf, Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer, Girls Tennis, Girls Volleyball. Water Polo (a non-varsity team at Pittsburgh Schenley High School)
Winter — Boys Swimming, Girls Swimming, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Wrestling
Spring — Boys Baseball, Boys Tennis, Boys Volleyball, Girls Softball, Co-ed Track & Field
  • The George K. Cupples Stadium is located on East Carson Street between 8th and 9th Streets, next to the now closed South Vo Tech High School. — 40.4281°N 79.9908°W / 40.4281; -79.9908

Migration to WPIAL begins in September 2012

Certain sports teams in certain high schools within PPS / District 8 are moving to play within the WPIAL / District 7. All football and basketball teams are going to stay within the City League. The better teams that can compete with the WPIAL teams in sports other than football and basketball are moving to new sections.

See also

Notes and references
  1. "2007 Preliminary Budget" (PDF). Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site. Retrieved 2006-11-20.
  2. "Facts at a Glance". PPS Website. 2016–2017. Retrieved 2018-03-07.
  3. EJ. "Discover PPS". Discover PPS. Pittsburgh Public Schools. Retrieved 9 September 2014.
  4. "Accelerated Learning Academies". Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site. Archived from the original on 2006-12-18. Retrieved 2006-12-20.
  5. "Accelerated Learning Academies". Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site. Archived from the original on 2006-10-14. Retrieved 2006-12-20.
  6. "Accelerated Learning Academy 2006-2007 School Calendar". Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site. 2006-05-01. Archived from the original on 2006-12-16. Retrieved 2006-12-20.
  7. "PPS ALAs Frequently Asked Questions" (PDF). Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site. Retrieved 2006-12-20.
  8. "America's Choice". NCEE Web Site. Retrieved 2006-12-20.
  9. "Kaplan Parent Presentation" (PDF). Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site. Retrieved 2006-12-20.
  10. Rujumba, Karamagi. "Bill Gates lauds city's steps to improve schools". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2010-07-01.
  11. "The Pittsburgh Public Schools Signature". Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site. Retrieved 2006-11-27.
  12. "Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Superintendent Mark Roosevelt Announce Partnership to Create The Pittsburgh Promise" (PDF) (Press release). Pittsburgh Public Schools. 2006-12-13. Retrieved 2006-12-13.
  13. Lord, Rich (2006-12-13). "City schools to promise college funds for good students". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2006-12-13.
  14. Smydo, Joe (2007-01-12). "Teachers union gives $10,000 to new city scholarship fund". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2007-01-13.
  15. "UPMC Community Citizenship". Archived from the original on 2009-04-12. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  16. "About the Board". Pittsburgh Public Schools Web Site. Archived from the original on 2006-08-13. Retrieved 2006-11-25.
  17. The Rankings: 8th Grades, Pittsburgh Business Times, May 15, 2009
  18. Best High Schools 2008, US News and World Report. December 9, 2009
  19. "Pennsylvania Charter School Websites". The Center for Education Reform Website. Retrieved 2007-01-03.
  20. "Board denies renewal of E. Liberty charter school". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 2007-04-26. Retrieved 2007-04-26.
  21. "MINUTES Meeting of: March 2 1,2007" (PDF). Pittsburgh Public Schools. pp. p.640-1. Retrieved 2007-04-26.
  22. Smydo, Joe (2006-11-09). "City schools want to close 2 more charter schools". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2007-04-26.
  23. Allegheny County ARRA FUNDING Report 2009 Archived 2009-04-16 at the Library of Congress Web Archives
  24. Lee, Carmen J. (September 4, 1996). "Neighborhood Schools Open". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 19, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. Schaarsmith, Amy McConnell (May 27, 2004). "Board Spares 3 Schools". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 19, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. Mannella, Susan (January 18, 1980). "Baxter's Ex-Pupils Win Reizenstein Nod". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 11, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. "Belmar School". Historic Pittsburgh. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  28. Chute, Eleanor (March 10, 2013). "City Schools Spent $23M on now-closed buildings". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 11, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. "School Starts for 271,293". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. September 3, 1956. Retrieved November 15, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. Hilston, James (March 1, 2006). "Approved school plan". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 19, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. "Dr. Graham Hails New School". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. May 20, 1937. Retrieved November 15, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. "Overcrowding Eased in 2 Schools". Pittsburgh Sun-Telepgraph. February 5, 1959. Retrieved November 19, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. "Room for Many More Pupils on School Opening". Pittsburgh Press. August 24, 1924. Retrieved November 15, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. "77,136 Expected in Schools". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. August 18, 1958. Retrieved November 15, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. Chute, Eleanor (August 25, 1983). "North Side School Changes Boggle Mind". Pittsburgh Press. Retrieved November 15, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. "New Schools To Close Old". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. July 10, 1939. Retrieved November 15, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. Botsford, W. P. (January 1, 1933). "Public Schools Greatly Improved in 1932". Pittsburgh Press. Retrieved November 11, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. "Here Are Changes In School Assignments". Pittsburgh Press. August 31, 1980. Retrieved November 11, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. "Nursing home on Davis School site". Pittsburgh Press. July 15, 1984. Retrieved November 11, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. Nilsson, David (January 9, 1973). "Major Assignment Faces Teachers, Pupils". Pittsburgh Press. Retrieved November 16, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. "Board Approves District Realignment Plan for 2012-13 School Year" (PDF). Pittsburgh Public Schools. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  42. Horn, Brittany; Gideon, Gavan (June 8, 2013). "First class graduating tonight at city Sci-Tech". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 11, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  43. Lee, Carmen J. (August 16, 2001). "Board reaffirms 7 public school closings". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 19, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  44. "West End School Will Not Open Until September". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. January 12, 1974. Retrieved November 16, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  45. Moore, Arthur T. (April 29, 1958). "926 Study In 'Poor Fire Risk' School". Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. Retrieved November 16, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. "Modified Gary School Plan for City". Pittsburgh Gazette Times. January 24, 1916. Retrieved November 19, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  47. "McNaugher School to Be Opened". Pittsburgh Gazette Times. September 20, 1909. Retrieved November 15, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  48. "Local Schools Open Tuesday". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. September 3, 1928. Retrieved November 19, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  49. "Highest Enrollment In City Public Schools Since 1949 Expected". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. August 25, 1955. Retrieved November 16, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  50. Stein, Herbert G. (September 4, 1962). "Most Schools Open Today In County". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 16, 2021.
  51. "Rooney school dedication". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. April 21, 1998. Retrieved November 15, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  52. Chute, Eleanor (October 27, 2010). "Who's on first in city schools? You tell us". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 15, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  53. Stein, Herbert (August 21, 1960). "New Schools Spring Up In Every Section". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 17 November 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  54. "New South Hills High School To Open Tomorrow". Pittsburgh Press. April 8, 1917. Retrieved November 19, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  55. Gallagher, Jim (June 5, 1986). "Tears flow as South Hills High closes". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 19, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  56. "New Schools To Care For 2,700 Students". Pittsburgh Gazette Times. September 3, 1922. Retrieved November 19, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  57. Smydo, Joe (2006-09-28). "School board votes to close Career Connections school". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2007-01-03.
  58. Smydo, Joe (2006-11-17). "Charter middle school to shut Nov. 29". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2007-04-26.

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