City Charter High School, commonly referred to as City High, is a charter high school operating on a year-round schedule. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, the school provides education for students in grades 9 through 12. It was founded in September 2002 by Dr. Richard Wertheimer and Mario Zinga.
Serving 594 students in grades 9-12, City Chs ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is approximately equal to the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 594 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 75%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 10% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
City Chs ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
City Chs's student population of 594 students has grown by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 47 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
594 students
Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers
Year Founded
2002
Colors
Blue and Gold
Campus Size
2 acres
School Motto
Preparing Leaders for Tomorrow
Average Class Size
15 students
School Rankings
City Chs ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of City Chs is 0.57, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1872 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
Asian
2%
5%
Hispanic
2%
16%
Black
60%
14%
White
25%
60%
Two or more races
11%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)17.2%
23.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
86%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Eagle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is City Chs's ranking?
City Chs is ranked #1872 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are City Chs often compared to?
City Chsis often viewed alongside schools like Pittsburgh Capa 6-12 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of City Chs?
The graduation rate of City Chs is 95%, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 87%.
How many students attend City Chs?
594 students attend City Chs.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of City Chs students are Black, 25% of students are White, 11% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of City Chs?
City Chs has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does City Chs offer ?
City Chs offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is City Chs part of?
City Chs is part of City CHS School District.
In what neighborhood is City Chs located?
City Chs is located in the Downtown neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA. There are 4 other public schools located in Downtown.
School Reviews
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