School Choice and Enrollment Guide
Choosing the right school for your child

At A+ Schools, a foundation of our organization is our belief in equity of opportunity. We hope this virtual school choice guide will help all families—regardless of your home address or socio-economic status—understand the options available to you. For the past 20 years we have learned a lot about how to navigate the district and individual school buildings. You DO have a say, and we are here to help you.

Below you’ll find information and enrollment links for the four types of schools in the Pittsburgh region. The city’s neighborhood and charter schools are listed by region, as well as select private schools who enroll students through the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program. The district’s special schools and centers are also included in these lists.

Choosing the right school for your child can be an overwhelming and sometimes confusing process. It is our goal to make the process easier to understand and navigate. We will continue to grow this website as a resource for our region’s families, and to further develop programming to support our parents and students.

Pittsburgh Public Schools Pre-K (Early Childhood) Programs

The Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) offers pre-k (“early childhood”) programs for 3-5 year-olds in most K-5 and K-8 schools, in stand-alone centers, at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and at the Carnegie Science Center. If a school name includes “PreK” it indicates that the school offers the program. For a full list, visit discoverpps.org. The program, which operates for six hours a day, five days a week, is free for most families, depending on income.

Click here to learn more about your pre-k options. | Read more about the PPS Early Childhood Program here.

Kindergarten registration and first-time enrollment at any age

If your child will be 5 years old on or before September 30, 2024, you can enroll them in kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year.

Click here to learn more about kindergarten registration and enrollment in PPS neighborhood and magnet schools.

Neighborhood schools

Your neighborhood school is the school assigned to you by the district based on your home address. It’s not necessarily the school closest to you. To find your child’s assigned school, visit discoverpps.org and enter your address.

Click here to learn more about neighborhood schools.

Magnet schools and programs

Any student can apply to a magnet school, regardless of location, with transportation provided if needed. Magnet schools have specialized programming, such as a foreign language or a STEAM focus. Some neighborhood schools have magnet programs within them. Even if the school is your neighborhood school, you must apply for the program.

Click here to learn more about the magnet application process.

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs give students opportunities to learn 21st century job skills and earn industry certifications and college credits. Students can apply for a CTE program in 9th or 10th grades, depending on the program.

Click here to learn more about CTE program enrollment. | Click here to read more about the PPS CTE Program.

Special education, Gifted Education, and English Language Learners

The Pittsburgh district serves students with special needs through supports and services within schools and at special education centers. Services for students who are identified as gifted fall within special education. Additionally, for students who speak a first language other than English, the district offers intensive instruction in the English language at regional centers in four elementary, two K-8, two 6-8, and two high schools.

Click here to learn more about special education and English Language Learner programs.

Charter Schools

Charter schools are free, public schools operated independently of school districts. Pittsburgh has a range of charter schools for all grade levels that are open to all students. Charter schools may give preference for siblings of current students and/or students from low-income families, but otherwise they may not restrict admissions. Like PPS, they are required to provide special education services to meet students’ needs.

Click here to learn more about your charter school options.

Other neighborhood school or private school

You may be able to enroll your child in a school of your choice through one of the following options: The Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program, PS-6 Request to Transfer, or Open Enrollment.

Click here to learn more.

List of schools by region

* The Pittsburgh district serves students with special needs through supports and services within schools and at special education centers. Visit our Special schools and centers page to learn more.