Business Details
24 Years
experience
Innovative Public High School in Pittsburgh | City Charter High School
City Charter High School is a technology-infused public school dedicated to preparing students for post-secondary success through innovative educational practices. Founded in 2002, we combine rigorous academics with real-world experiences, including mentored internships and project-based learning, to foster college and career readiness. Our unique four-day school week and year-round trimester schedule ensure continuous learning while maintaining a low student-teacher ratio for personalized instruction. Teachers loop with students across all four years, creating deep academic connections and tailored support.We equip every student with a free laptop and technology certifications, ensuring they graduate tech-savvy and prepared for modern workforce demands. Our curriculum emphasizes cultural literacy, scientific literacy, and financial literacy, while our 94% graduation rate reflects our commitment to success across all demographic groups. With a focus on safety, wellness, and community partnerships, we provide a supportive environment where students thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Services
Technology-Infused Curriculum
Mentored Internships
Project-Based Learning
Career Mapping
Free Laptop Program
Year-Round Learning
Student Wellness Services
College Credit Courses
STEM Labs
Robotics Team
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer a unique 4-day school week with year-round learning.
- Every student receives a free laptop and technology certifications.
- All graduates complete a 13-week mentored internship experience.
- We maintain a low 185:1 student-to-counselor ratio for personalized support.
- Our school averages a 94% graduation rate across all demographics.
What people say
Safe environment
Tech-savvy graduates
Personalized learning
Family atmosphere
Career preparation
Services
Mentored Internships
Our 13-week mentored internship program connects students with local businesses for hands-on career exploration. Students develop professional skills through real-world work experiences aligned with their interests. This program prepares graduates for immediate workforce entry or college success.
Technology-Infused Curriculum
We integrate technology throughout all subjects with free laptops for every student and software certification programs. Our curriculum teaches digital literacy through Google Classroom, Microsoft, and Adobe applications. This prepares students for modern workplace technology requirements.
Project-Based Learning
Our interdisciplinary projects combine cultural literacy, scientific literacy, and financial literacy through real-world problem solving. Students collaborate on complex challenges that develop critical thinking and workplace skills. This approach creates deeper understanding than traditional textbook learning.
Year-Round Learning
Our three 62-day trimesters with month-long breaks prevent learning loss between sessions. The continuous schedule maintains academic momentum while allowing regular rest periods. Students retain knowledge better with this structured yet flexible approach.
Teacher Looping
Teachers work with the same students across all four years, building strong relationships and personalized learning plans. This continuity allows educators to adapt to individual learning styles and provide consistent academic support throughout high school.
People
Dr. Dara Ware Allen
CEO/Principal
Dr. Allen leads City High's educational vision with extensive experience in public education. She oversees strategic direction and community partnerships while maintaining direct student engagement.
Angela Welch
Chief Academic Officer
Ms. Welch directs curriculum development and instructional excellence. With deep expertise in college and career readiness, she ensures academic programs meet evolving standards.
Carla Knight
Assistant Principal
Ms. Knight supports the Class of 2029 with student services and academic guidance. She coordinates school activities and maintains student records.
Holy Ickes
Counselor
Ms. Ickes provides mental health support and academic counseling. She operates our drop-in emotional assistance program for student well-being.
Denise Provident
Cafeteria Manager
Ms. Provident oversees our nutrition program providing free breakfast and lunch. She ensures meals meet dietary standards while appealing to student preferences.
Questions
What makes City High different from traditional high schools?
We offer a 4-day school week, year-round trimester schedule, and technology-infused education with free laptops for all students.
Do students receive real-world work experience?
All graduates complete a 13-week mentored internship with local businesses and organizations.
How does City High support college and career readiness?
We provide career mapping, resume workshops, mock interviews, and college credit courses with local institutions.
What technology resources are available to students?
Every student receives a free laptop and gains certifications in Microsoft and Adobe software programs.
How does the school ensure student safety?
We maintain an ALICE-certified safety program with five full-time safety officers and enhanced anti-bullying policies.
Videos
Reviews (5)
None Y.
Oct 12, 2021
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Came to this school on Friday to pick up my child after school let out. It was my very first time coming here. I drove by the school confused to where the school pick up was, circled the block, then asked the school crossing guard where do I pull up to pick up my child in a friendly tone. The crossing guard who is called Ms.Keisha was immediately hyper aggressive with me yelling "You gotta go, you can't park here, it's a bike lane, you'll get a ticket!!!"
I point out a SUV to her that's parked in the bike lane with it's hazard lights in front of the school
I point out a SUV to her that's parked in the bike lane with it's hazard lights in front of the school
Billie Salvucci
Jul 17, 2019
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I started (and ended) City High freshman year. I came here by choice, not because my parents made me. I was very optimistic and excited to start, but unfortunately it was well below my expectations. Although the education is above average, they could not care less about mental health, and often seem to go out of their way to make things difficult. (is; I was told by 4 teachers that they liked to get me in trouble because my reaction was funny.) The rules are very extreme and often pointless (ie: i was yelled for putting my hair in a ponytail at lunch). Many of the teachers and all of the
Itsl Mel
Oct 31, 2018
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I attended City High for a year and I absolutely hated every second of it. I constantly felt unsafe and targeted. The adults there act like children and it is not the type of environment that I would want my child in. For starters they dont have metal detectors and they dont check students when they enter the building, student got caught with drugs almost once a week. The staff there care for certain students that they feel will benefit them. One thing I did like was that they forced you to learn so I did learn a lot but it was not worth it. I went through a major depression. I was not being
Kristan Otto Abeshouse
Jun 25, 2018
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A truly innovative educational experience for high school students. I recommend this h.s. to many families and have had positive and professional interactions with every person who is educating my son. If you are thinking about high school choice take a look at City Charter.
Gail Korbe
Jun 19, 2018
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I can't really write the school but my question is how do My tax dollars pay for kids to have a laptop and that school when my tax dollars don't pay for it for my own kids or grand kids when They go to a public school. It's still my tax dollars
