Special Education at Charter Schools

Charter Schools are mandated to provide special education supports and programs. Students CANNOT be denied entry to a charter school because of their disability.

Charter schools are bound by the requirements of Chapter 711 of the Pennsylvania School Code and are not exempt from any of the federal special education laws or regulations. This includes the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Americans with Disabilities Act Adjustment (ADAA), and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Just as Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS), charter schools are their own Local Education Agency (LEA) and must meet the educational needs of all students. As the charter authorizer, PPS provides the oversight for adherence to these requirements in order to ensure that all students are receiving the the most beneficial educational opportunities.

Please refer to the attached fact sheet for quick access to information regarding special education rights and responsibilities. FACT SHEET

Special Education reports can be found through the Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Special Education at Penn Data. The annual Special Education Data Report provides information special educaiton enrollment by disability and ethnicity and educational environments. 

2021-2022 Enrollment by Disability 

2020-2021 Enrollment by Disability

2019-2020 Enrollment by Disability

2018-2019 Enrollment by Disability

2017-2018 Enrollment by Disability

2021-2022 Special Education Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity

2020-2021 Special Education Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity

2019-2020 Special Education Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity

2018-2019 Special Education Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity

2017-2018 Special Education Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity

For more information on Special Education please visit: 

Special Education