Now Enrolling for the 2025-2026

School Year

Thank you for your interest in Urban Pathways. We provide a nurturing environment where all students have the resources, tools, and support they need to flourish. Your journey begins with a simple step—applying to Urban Pathways.

As a public, charter school, our enrollment is based on availability. The application process is outlined in the FAQs listed below.

The best way to experience the unique Urban Pathways offering is to visit our campus. Contact Mary Marcelle at mmarcelle@upcs.net or 412.392.4601 ext.203 to schedule a tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. CAN I APPLY FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR?

Enrollment for the current school year is based on availability. If you would like to apply for this school year, click here.

2. CAN I APPLY FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR?

Urban Pathways is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. Please submit your application by February 7, 2025 for inclusion in the 2025-26 Lottery. Applications received after this date will be placed on a wait list and processed in the order received until enrollment for each grade is full.

3. WHEN IS THE LOTTERY DEADLINE FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR?

The deadline for submission is February 7, 2025. The 2025-26 LOTTERY will be held on February 12, 2025.

4. WHAT IF THERE ARE MORE APPLICATIONS THAN OPENINGS?

If there are more applications received by the lottery date than there is space at any given level, students will be selected in the following preference category order:

• Siblings of enrolled students at the school who live in the Pittsburgh Public School District;
• Students who live in the Pittsburgh Public School District;
• Students who live elsewhere in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• If there are more students in a given preference category than there are slots remaining, a random drawing will be held. Students not selected in the lottery will be randomly placed on a numbered waiting list separated by preference category. Other students may be added to the end of the waiting list (in the appropriate preference category) at any time.

5. WHAT HAPPENS ON THE LOTTERY DAY?

A completed Urban Pathways application, submitted on time to Urban Pathways, is required to participate in the lottery.

Each application received will be assigned a designated card with the student’s name on it. Beginning with sixth and proceeding to 11th grade, the cards will be placed in a container/bag and shaken. Each card will be individually drawn by a Board Trustee or a Board Designee. Each name will be read out loud and entered on a written list, kept by a second Board Trustee or Designee, who will record the student’s name and “seat number.” Each name drawn will be assigned a sequential number from one until all of the cards have been drawn for that grade.

In accordance with the Charter School’s Charter, as granted by the Pittsburgh Public School District, and pursuant to PA Charter School Law, preferences will be given as follows:

• All students currently enrolled in the Charter School from the prior school year are exempted from the lottery process.
• Siblings (defined as children having one common parent) of students enrolled at the Charter School from the prior school year are exempted from the lottery provided there is space available for the grade sought. Siblings must be Pittsburgh School District residents to be eligible for this preference. A sibling lottery will be held if there are more siblings than seats available in any grade.
• Students who live in the Pittsburgh Public School District.
• Students who live elsewhere in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Non-resident students’ per-pupil allotment must be paid by the district in which the non-resident student lives.