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Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship
Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship, nominated by an anonymous organization, is an elementary/middle school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that describes itself as a public charter school serving learners from a primarily urban area.
Location Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Governance Public Charter School
Grades Elementary, Middle
Students 520
Locale Urban
CEO Dr. Wayne Jones
Demographics
Percentage of students*
—
English Learners
60%
Free/Reduced Lunch
17%
Students with Disabilities
African American or Black 80%
American Indian/Alaska Native —
Asian —
Hawaiian or Pacific Islander —
Hispanic or Latino 3%
White 9%
2+ Races —
Why Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship was nominated
Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship implements the innovative learning model, Microsociety, which provides students with real-life learning opportunities through the creation and operation of miniature societies within the school.
Student experience design
The learning environment at Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship (PHCSE) is designed to create a dynamic, hands-on, and student-centered experience that cultivates creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit. A Student Experience Focused on Growth & Innovation: -Immersive Learning: Students engage in experiential, project-based learning that goes beyond traditional instruction, fostering curiosity, problem-solving, and innovation. -Small Class Sizes: A low student-to-teacher ratio ensures individualized attention, personalized instruction, and strong relationships between students and educators. -Entrepreneurial Mindset: Through real-world projects, leadership roles, and competitions like the Soaring Shark Tank, students learn to think and act like entrepreneurs, developing skills in decision-making, communication, and financial literacy. -MicroSociety Model: Students run their own miniature world, complete with elected officials, businesses, and a functioning economy, giving them practical experience in governance, teamwork, and responsibility. -Comprehensive Development: PHCSE nurtures academic, social, and emotional growth, ensuring that students are not just learning concepts but applying them to real-world scenarios. -Inclusive and Supportive Community: A culturally diverse, close-knit school family where students feel valued, respected, and encouraged to embrace their unique talents and dreams. -Enrichment Opportunities: With a wide range of clubs, sports, leadership programs, and extracurricular activities, students develop well-rounded skills and a sense of belonging. At PHCSE, students don’t just prepare for the future—they actively create it by developing the skills, confidence, and mindset to lead, innovate, and succeed in any path they choose.
Core Practices
| Core Practices | Length of Use |
|---|---|
|
Project-based Learning |
5+ years
|
|
Student-led Conferences |
5+ years
|
|
Student-led Goal Setting |
5+ years
|
|
Universal Design For Learning |
1-2 years
|
All Practices
Adaptive Learning Software
Student Advisories
Anti-racist Practices
Assessments For Agency And Self-directed Learning
Assessments For Career Readiness
Assessments For Deeper Learning
Assessments For Social-emotional Skills
Co-leadership
Community And Workforce Partnerships
Family And Community Support Services
Competency/mastery-based Education
Culturally Responsive Practices
Disaggregated Data On Student Participation
Dual Language Programming
Extended Learning Time
Flexible Staffing & Alternative Teaching Roles
Grading Policies Focus On Mastery
All Courses Designed For Inclusion
Individual Learner Profiles
Individual Learning Paths
Mental Health Services
Multi-tiered System Of Support (MTSS) In Academics
Peer To Peer Support
Performance Based Assessment
High Quality Instructional Materials
Reallocation Of Resources For Students Most In Need
Restorative Practices
SEL Curriculum
SEL Integration School-wide
Students Access Their Own Data
Students Develop Projects
Trauma-informed Practices
Tutoring
key reasons for innovating
Address systemic inequities
Improve academic achievement
Increase student agency
Date Updated: 4/1/2025
*Canopy profile data is self-reported or sourced from NCES data, then verified by school leaders.