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History Eight years ago, Propel started as a dream. The dream was to build an organization with the capacity to transform public education in Southwestern Pennsylvania so that all children have access to high performing public schools. Today, that dream is a reality. Propel has become one of the largest, fastest-expanding set of charter schools in Pennsylvania with the highest levels of student achievement among Pennsylvania public school districts serving high poverty areas. The first school opened in 2003 with 180 children, occupying a small hospital basement. In 2010, more than 2,000 K-12 students attend six newly renovated facilities in Homestead, McKeesport, Montour, Munhall, Turtle Creek, and Braddock Hills.Across all its schools, 75% of students qualify for the federal free/reduced cost lunch program, 66% are a minority and 15% have special needs. Propel is having a significant positive impact on the population that it serves, and despite the impact of poverty, is delivering tremendous results. The most recent data on Pennsylvania state tests confirms Propel's success: Propel had the highest levels of student achievement among the 20 Pennsylvania school districts serving high concentrations of students living in poverty (70% or greater). Propel is dramatically outperforming the district run schools where most of its students live. Students are 35% more likely to be at grade level than their peers in these districts - up from a 22% advantage in the prior year. Propel students are now performing on par with solidly middle class Allegheny county school districts. Propel's African American and economically disadvantaged students performed significantly better than the typical student (regardless of race or family affluence) in Pittsburgh, Woodland Hills, and other school districts where Propel students live. Compared to the seven school districts from which Propel draws most of its students:
An extended school day and school year, professional development opportunities for staff, close relationships with students, and a commitment to sharing best practices, are just a few of the elements that make Propel schools a success. |
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