Education matters and can change the lives of children.
Propel's impact on the Pittsburgh region continues to grow, proving it is possible to permanently close the achievement gap that separates students along lines of affluence. Propel is demonstrating that it is possible to build a system of schools serving challenging populations where quality is the rule, not the exception.

Click on any of the graphs below to enlarge.

Based on U.S. Department of Education statistics, the reading and math scores of African-American and Latino 12th graders are roughly the same as those of white 8th graders. High school graduation rates have declined from the late 1960's by about 4-5%. Here in Allegheny County, just 78% of students completed high school in 2007, and only 54% of African American students completed high school in 2007. Performance in schools is also low. In 2007, 24% of students in Southwestern Pennsylvania were not proficient in math and 36% were not proficient in reading. 57% of African-Americans were not proficient in math and 68% were not proficient in reading. Schools are not doing enough to educate children.

Fortunately, Propel schools ARE working and ARE delivering results. Propel's schools have proven that it is possible to close the achievement gap that typically separate students along lines of race and affluence. Propel students are more likely to be at grade level than the typical Pennsylvania public school student in both reading and mathematics, despite the fact that 77% are classified as economically disadvantaged (compared to 40% statewide).
Propel students' performance on state tests is generally highly correlated with family poverty. When school district peformance is adjusted to control for the incidence of poverty, Propel is the top performing district in Pennsylvania.

Propel is dramatically outperforming the district run schools where most of its students live. Students are 41% more likely to be at grade level than their peers in these districts - up from a 35% advantage in the prior year. This widening differential is the result of significant improvements at Propel while districts continue to make marginal advances.

Propel's African American students performed significantly better than the typical student (regardless of race) in Pittsburgh, Woodland Hills, and other school districts where Propel students live. Compared to the seven school districts from which Propel draws 84% of its students, African-American students are 60% more likely to be at grade level if attending Propel.

Propel does not accept the premise that poverty or family structure determines education performance or life outcome. Propel believes that every child can achieve, regardless of his or her background. These children have the power, resilience and ability to overcome and we have the results to prove it.

 See our most recent student results here (pdf).