Our Approach

Propel Schools is a not-for-profit, federation of public charter schools based in Pittsburgh, PA, dedicated to the mission of catalyzing the transformation of public education so that all children have access to high performing public schools .

Propel believes that all children can achieve. Propel meets children where they are when they enter our schools, and take them as far as they can possibly go.Our goals are met with the same sense of urgency, equity, and expectations, regardless of where the child lives or what their life circumstances might be. Propel Schools are free schools of choice.  Families choose to enroll their children because they believe the school is right for their child, and children are welcomed regardless of ability or disability, race, religion or national origin. 

Propel delivers three fundamental values to the community: Propel provides a choice for parents seeking a better education for their child - an especially important choice for resource poor families. Propel delivers results in student achievement, continually improving student performance and receiving high parent satisfaction ratings. Propel offers a replicable model for public schools to run effectively and efficiently.

Propel develops academically accomplished young men and women who are poised, curious, and disciplined - upstanding individuals who will be effective members of a community. Propel graduates will be great readers, writers and problem solvers, knowledgeable, confident in themselves, and ready and eager to impact their communities; benefiting themselves, their neighborhoods and our region.

We have core beliefs about Academics, Community and Personal Power that anchor our work and serve as touchstones shaping key decisions in the life of our schools.

On Academics

Leading children and teens to academic accomplishment is a central purpose of school. We place supreme importance on the development of literacy because reading well is the foundation for further learning. We believe children and teens are able to think deeply and that this intellectual engagement is central to academic accomplishment.

On Community

We believe in the power of a community to lift individuals and that it is our job to prepare children and teens to build and be part of such communities. We also believe it is our job to lead teachers, parents and community partners, through an open exchange of ideas, to share a sense of responsibility for the success of each child.

On Personal Power

We believe that every child is unique and personally powerful. Pursuing personal passions and participating in the arts, physical activities and community service promote both understanding of the world and appreciation for individual differences. We see children and teens as active participants in creating their futures and feel it is our job to constantly encourage children and teens to explore and reflect, cultivating a knowledge of self and a sense of personal efficacy and power.