Propel Schools

Transforming Public Education in Southwestern PA

Contact: Anne D'Appolonia, +1 412.325.7305 extention 105

Propel successfully opens and operates high-performing charter schools in Pittsburgh's underserved communities, providing families with a quality public school choice.

Six years ago, Propel started as a dream 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. In 2009, more than 1,700 K-11 students attend five newly renovated facilities. 75% of students qualify for the federal free/reduced lunch program and 65% are a minority. When school district performance is adjusted to control for the incidence of poverty, Propel students achieved in the 93rd percentile of the 501 districts in the state. As of June 2009, over 1,500 children were on Propel's waiting lists.

In 2003, Propel started as a dream 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. In 2009, more than 1,700 K-11 students attend five newly renovated facilities. 75% of students qualify for the federal free/reduced lunch program and 65% are a minority. When school district performance is adjusted to control for the incidence of poverty, Propel students achieved in the 93rd percentile of the 501 districts in the state. Students are making huge gains on Pennsylvania's standardized tests, outperforming traditional public schools. 31% more of Propel's African-American students achieved grade level standards than the African American students in the school districts where they live. Over 93% of Propel parents are satisfied with their school, compared to just 72% of parents in national surveys. As of June, over 1,500 children were on Propel's waiting lists. One Propel school was recently named one of the top 21 charter schools in the nation. Propel has become both a regional asset and a national model, providing measurable evidence of how innovative public schools can expand opportunity and revitalize communities. We envision opening new schools and doubling the number of children that we serve. We see our schools closing the exposure gap that divides children from resource poor families with their more affluent peers, and we see our students performing at levels consistent with more affluent suburban districts.