High School Opportunities Chart

Research shows that the academic rigor of classes students take in high school is the most powerful predictor of college enrollment, persistence, and success. This chart shows opportunities offered at the district’s 6-12 and 9-12 schools, Urban Pathways 6-12 Charter School, and City Charter High School, to prepare students for college and careers. Other organizations in the region address gaps in students’ education and exposure to the full range of options.

Prepared for the next step: Differences in opportunities for PPS high school students

For students in grades 9-12, the Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) offers four neighborhood high schools, three of which have magnet programs; two neighborhood 6-12 schools, and three magnet 6-12 schools with specialized programming. On the face of it, this looks like a system that caters to students’ individual interests and offers choice. But when we look more closely at which students benefit, we also see a system that shuts some groups of students out. Click here to read our report on the effects of magnet school requirements, unequal access to rigorous courses, and differences in which students are preparing for college.