• Office of Charter Schools

    Pittsburgh City View

    Please refer to this FACT SHEET for quick access to accurate, relevant charter school information.

    The division for charter schools in the Office of Data, Research, Evaluation and Assessment supports Pittsburgh families in making the best educational choices for their children through sharing relevant information and transparency.

    The division is responsible for monitoring performance or all City of Pittsburgh charter schools and the adherence to charter agreements under the Pennsylvania Charter School Law. It is our top priority to ensure that all students have the best educational opportunities, while protecting their rights and the rights of families.

    Charter Schools are public schools that are authorized by their local school districts, which, by law, must: 1. Improve student learning 2. Increase learning opportunities for all students 3. Encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods 4. Create new professional opportunities for teachers 5. Provide parents and students with expanded choices in the types of educational opportunities that are available within the public school system 6. Be accountable for meeting measurable academic standards.

    Charter schools must adhere to many of the same educational mandates as traditional public schools, including but not limited to:

    • Health and safety
    • Special education
    • Civil rights
    • Student accountability
    • Employee criminal history checks
    • Open meetings
    • Freedom of information requirements
    • Generally accepted accounting principles
    • Certain provisions of the Pennsylvania School Code

     

    During the 2021-22 school year, there are twelve (12) brick and mortar charter schools in the City of Pittsburgh (see full list here).

    For information on cyber charter schools, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education Charter Schools Office here.

    Pennsylvania Charter School Law

    Our Theory of Action

    If charter schools are held accountable then community members and families will have information available to make informed choices, resulting in an improved awareness of the high quality educational opportunities available for all students.