Western Pennsylvania Schools

Western PA hosts a variety of schools, from first class urban public schools to trade schools, colleges and universities. Pittsburgh Public Schools have been cited as being "...without question, one of the finest urban districts in the country." Throughout the past few years, the city's schools have won a number of awards for quality education and have brought national and international attention to Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Public Schools
One unique aspect of the Pittsburgh Public Schools is the corporate and private funds that sponsor many of the programs and extracurricular activities offered throughout the district. The school district has 77 schools which include 48 neighborhood elementary schools, 16 middle schools, 12 senior high schools, and 3 special needs schools. Within the system is also a Montessori School and several magnet schools. Perhaps most outstanding is the fact that 60% of the seniors from Pittsburgh Public Schools pursue education beyond high school, with more than half of them attending 4-year colleges and universities.

Private and Parochial Schools
The private and parochial school system in Pittsburgh provides a variety of choices for parents who choose not to take advantage of the area's public school system. These schools meet the religious and academic needs of hundreds of students in the Western Pennsylvania area and range from pre-school to independent college preparatory school. Many of the private schools rank among the best in the nation and are noted for both their academic pursuits as well as sports and extra-curricular activities.The private school system offers opportunities for the gifted child as well as the child who is academically challenged and include a mix of day schools, boarding schools and military academies.

Suburban School Districts
Western Pennsylvania boasts quality schools throughout the area, including many suburban schools. Among these are some who have won the President's Blue Ribbon Schools Award for Academic Excellence.

Colleges and Universities
The Western PA area offers outstanding opportunities for advanced education. Pittsburgh's Oakland area is the educational center for the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Carlow College, and others. Following is a partial list of colleges and universities that may be found inWestern PA:

Community College of Allegheny County (323-2323) CCAC is the state's largest community college and has campuses located throughout the Allegheny County area. The college offers a full range of two-year degrees and certificate programs.

Carlow College (578-6059) Carlow is a 4-year Catholic women's college offering degrees in 34 academic areas. It is highly rated for its nursing and education programs.

Carnegie Mellon University (262-2082) CMU is made up of five colleges - Carnegie Institute of Technology, Mellon College of Science, the School of Urban and Public Affairs, the Graduate School of Industrial Administration, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Mellon Institute. Most prominent are the electrical engineering and drama departments.

Chatham College (365-1290) Chatham is a strong 4-year liberal arts college for women
offering 19 degrees, as well as a self-designed major. Most notable is Chatham's program for non-traditional aged students.

Duquesne University (434-6220) Duquesne is a private Catholic college offering 4-year, graduate, and post-graduate degrees. Duquesne offers evening and professional degree programs and is within walking distance of downtown Pittsburgh. The college is noted for its nursing, education, law and pharmacy schools.

La Roche College (367-9300) La Roche is a Catholic college offering professional education through 26 undergraduate majors, 8 graduate programs, and a certificate program in human resources management.
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Robert Morris College (227-6086) Robert Morris is an independent business college with degrees in science, arts, and radiological technology. The college has campuses in downtown Pittsburgh and in Moon Township.

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (362-5610) The seminary is a graduate professional school sponsored by the Presbyterian Church. Seven area colleges provide joint degrees with the seminary.

Point Park College (1-800-321-0129) Point Park offers 4-year degree programs in liberal arts and sciences and master's programs in journalism and international business management. The college is acclaimed for its music program.

The University of Pittsburgh (624-4141) The University of Pittsburgh has 17 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools, including evening and Saturday colleges for degree and certificate programs. Pitt's medical school is among the best in the country and is noted for research in emergency medical sciences and transplant surgery. The university attracts top professionals for research in many areas. The University of Pittsburgh ranks among Pittsburgh's largest employers.

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Joe Hirsch, REALTOR