Propel Braddock Hills, Propel's sixth and newest school, opened this Monday to 300 students, grades K through fourth, and high school grade nine.
Since Propel opened their first school in 2003 in Homestead, students of the public charter schools have been consistently outperforming students in traditional Pittsburgh public schools.
"At Propel, it's particularly evident that the teachers are incredibly passionate, and because we're a charter school, the teachers have a little more flexibility in the classrooms, which makes a difference," says Anne D'Appolonia, director of development for Propel.
After Propel's Woodland Hills Community School saw an overwhelming demand from local parents, and Propel East School was burdened with a 500 students waiting list, Propel decided to apply for the Braddock Hills charter in July of 2008.
The new facility is located in the former Builder's Square, a 42,000 square foot building, which underwent extensive redesign by
TKA Architects. Some of the new features include a beautiful indoor courtyard painted with murals, multiple skylights, a state of the art computer center, and a creative arts room.
Joe Oliphant, the school's Principal, was the former Technology Director for Propel, and received the 2010 Leader of the Year award from the Pennsylvania Association for Education Communication and Technology.
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Source: Anne D'Appolonia, director of development for Propel
Jeremy Resnick, executive director for Propel
Writer:
John FarleyImage courtesy Propel Schools