Pittsburgh Public Schools: A Comprehensive Overview
Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) is the public school district serving the city of Pittsburgh, PA, as well as the adjacent area of Mount Oliver. With a rich history dating back to 1835, PPS has been at the forefront of providing quality education to students in the region. In Allegheny County, the Pittsburgh Public School District is the biggest of 43 districts and the second biggest in all of Pennsylvania. Approximately 25,000 Pre-Kindergarteners to Grade 12 students are served by the District. To ensure the students’ success and readiness for college, career, and life, Pittsburgh Public Schools provides a broad range of options and opportunities.
History of Pittsburgh Public Schools
The establishment of Pittsburgh’s public schools can be attributed to the Pennsylvania Free Public School Act of 1834, which provided government aid for the creation of a city school system. Initially, the schools were organized into self-governed wards.
In 1835, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed the “Common School” Law, which established the Pittsburgh Public Schools as an official institution. At the time, the city was divided into four wards: West, South, East, and North. Initially, the schools operated in rented spaces such as churches and warehouses. In 1838, the system had 18 teachers with 1,420 students attending 12 schools, five each for boys and girls, one for both genders, and one for infants. By 1850, each school ward had erected its own building for instruction. In 1855, the state government gave the Pittsburgh Board of Public Education total control over the schools, including hiring teachers and principals, constructing buildings, and approving curricula. Unfortunately, this system was plagued by corruption, graft, and patronage politics for the next 50 years. Nevertheless, the Schools were able to achieve significant advancements during the 19th century. Central High School opened in 1855, with its first graduating class of three seniors in 1859. George Luckey was appointed as Superintendent in 1868, and he held the post until 1899. During Luckey’s tenure, the Pittsburgh Public Schools created the Pittsburgh Teacher’s Institute, started offering evening courses, and inaugurated the first kindergarten in the city. In addition, the Carnegie Library provided special service to the schools, and special classes for the deaf were also made available.
In 1911, the Pennsylvania Legislature created a new School Code, replacing the 61 individual school districts with a court-appointed Board of 15. This new system was met with criticism from local groups, who feared the loss of control over their neighborhoods due to the power of the state-instituted board. However, it proved to be a successful move, propelling the Pittsburgh Public Schools to national recognition. To accommodate the 12,000 students attending school half-time due to a lack of classrooms, the board quickly set about allocating funds for the refurbishment, demolition, and construction of several school buildings, leading to 65 major projects over the next 30 years. To improve the district even further, the board established a Department of Vocational Guidance, abolished entrance exams to high school, and set up an evening school and continuation school. The district was also served by two superintendents: S. L. Heeter and William Mehard Davidson (1913-1930) and Benjamin G. Graham (1930-1942). This long-term commitment to service, combined with a centralized board, allowed for the rectification of the many issues resulting from the previous sub-district system.
During the 1920s, as the community experienced a shift from prosperity to poverty, Pittsburgh Public Schools adapted to serve the needs of those living there. The Frick Educational Commission partnered with the district to create food distribution centers to help those in need. In 1932, teachers agreed to a 10% salary reduction to keep the schools running at their regular schedule. The National Youth Administration also worked with the district, hiring students for non-academic and clerical positions. In 1939, the Public Works Administration constructed Schiller and West Liberty Schools. To address social issues, the district replaced its ineffective Truant Officer with Home and School Visitors who were trained social workers. In 1940, the district established a Department of Special Education to provide extra assistance to students with physical or mental disabilities. Throughout the next two decades, PPS adjusted to a variety of local, national and international events. For example, WWII led to civil defense training in high schools, a decreased student enrollment due to members of the school joining the military, and the retooling of curriculum for veterans who did not finish their studies. Additionally, during the 1940s and 1950s, budget shortages caused cutbacks and program reductions, yet the district still managed to initiate a second building boom in the midst of the city’s own Renaissance.
The years after WWII caused a shift in the racial composition of Pittsburgh and a significant change in school district policy in the 1980s. In 1945, 18.8% of students in the schools were black, while by 1965 the number had grown to 36.7%. The 1965 annual board report issued a statement regarding the need for “reasonable measures to integrate student population and staff.” In response, the Columbus Middle School opened in 1967, with the intention of desegregating the system. This ‘magnet system’ attempted to draw students from diverse backgrounds to one central location for an equal educational experience. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), however, did not see this as sufficient, and they ordered the Pittsburgh Public Schools to produce an official desegregation plan in February 1968. To do this, the Pittsburgh Council on Public Education (PCPE) was formed. Their initial drafts were rejected by the PHRC, leading to a 15-year struggle between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. This period saw teacher strikes, frequent superintendent changes, and calls for direct election of board members, all in the context of the PHRC’s insistence on integrated schools. In 1979, the PCPE developed the “Pittsburgh Desegregation Plan,” based on the same magnet school concept. The PHRC rejected this too, but the board still implemented the plan in September 1980, without any issues.
Academics at Pittsburgh Public Schools
PPS is committed to providing high-quality education to its students. In 2006, the district implemented the Accelerated Learning Academies (ALAs) program, transforming eight underperforming schools. The ALAs aimed to enhance student learning by adding 10 extra school days to the calendar and increasing daily instructional time by 45 minutes. These academies adopted the America’s Choice Design Model developed by the National Center on Education and the Economy. Furthermore, in 2006, PPS partnered with Kaplan K12 Learning Services to develop a district-wide curriculum, ensuring uniformity and excellence in education across all schools.
The Pittsburgh Promise
One of the notable initiatives introduced by Pittsburgh Public Schools is The Pittsburgh Promise. Launched in 2006, The Pittsburgh Promise is a scholarship program that offers eligible graduates the opportunity to receive financial aid for post-secondary education at accredited institutions within Pennsylvania. The program is funded through private contributions from foundations and corporations. The Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers made the first contribution to The Pittsburgh Promise scholarship program in 2007, followed by a generous $10 million donation from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. This initiative has helped countless students pursue higher education and achieve their dreams.
Board of Public Education of Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Public Schools is governed by an elected nine-member Board of Directors. These board members serve a four-year term and represent districts within the city of Pittsburgh and the nearby borough of Mount Oliver. As dedicated volunteers, they play a crucial role in making important decisions that impact the overall functioning of the school district. It is worth noting that board members, like their counterparts across Pennsylvania, do not receive any form of compensation for their service.
Superintendent of Schools and Administration
The Superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing the district’s operations. In July 2022, Dr. Wayne N. Walters was appointed as the Superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools. Dr. Walters had previously served as the interim Superintendent for a ten-month period, bringing valuable experience and expertise to the role. The school district also has various administrative departments, including the Office of the Superintendent, Student Support Services, Athletics, Human Resources, Curriculum and Instruction, Data, Research, Evaluation and Assessment, Facilities, Finance, and Law.
Schools within Pittsburgh Public Schools
Pittsburgh Public Schools operates a wide range of schools catering to students from different grade levels and with diverse educational needs. These schools can be classified into various categories:
Elementary Schools (K-5)
PPS offers several elementary schools that provide education from kindergarten to fifth grade. These schools focus on laying a strong foundation for students’ academic and personal growth.
K-8 Schools
K-8 schools in Pittsburgh Public Schools combine both elementary and middle school education, catering to students from kindergarten to eighth grade. This model offers a seamless transition for students as they progress through their educational journey.
Middle Schools (6-8) and Accelerated Learning Academies
Middle schools within PPS serve students from sixth to eighth grade. In addition, there are Accelerated Learning Academies (ALAs) that have implemented innovative programs to enhance student learning and achievement.
Secondary Schools (9-12) and 6-12 Schools
Secondary schools within Pittsburgh Public Schools cater to students in grades nine to twelve, providing comprehensive education and preparing students for higher education and future careers. Additionally, there are 6-12 schools that offer a combined middle and high school education, providing continuity and support throughout the crucial transition years.
Special Schools
PPS also operates special schools that cater to specific educational needs. These include the Conroy Education Center, Oliver Citywide Academy, Pioneer Education Center, Pittsburgh Gifted Center, Student Achievement Center High School, Student Achievement Center Middle School, Clayton Academy, and Pittsburgh Online Academy. These schools offer specialized programs and support for students with unique requirements.
Charter Schools
As mandated by Pennsylvania state law, Pittsburgh Public Schools funds several charter schools. These charter schools operate independently but receive financial support from the district. Some of the charter schools affiliated with PPS include Academy Charter School, Career Connections Charter High School, City Charter High School, The Environmental Charter School at Frick Park, Hill House Passport Academy Charter School, Manchester Academic Charter School, Northside Urban Pathways Charter School, Renaissance Academy of Pittsburgh Alternative of Hope, and Urban League of Pittsburgh Charter School.
Pittsburgh Public Schools has played a vital role in providing quality education to students in the Pittsburgh region for many years. With a rich history, a commitment to academic excellence, and a focus on student success, PPS continues to shape the future of education in the community. Through initiatives like The Pittsburgh Promise and a diverse range of schools catering to various needs, Pittsburgh Public Schools remains dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student and preparing them for a bright future, and hopefully helping them to attend some of the great colleges near Pittsburgh!
