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Our School

The First Autism-specific Charter School in the United States

Spectrum Charter School is a tuition-free, public charter school located on Northern Pike in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. The school is structured to meet the needs of students who do not learn well in traditional classroom settings due to cognitive, communication, and sensory challenges; including students with autism spectrum disorders

History

1999

Year Founded Approved as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization The 1st charter school of its kind in the nation.

2000

Rented and moved into a small building on Old Wm. Penn Hwy, Monroeville 1st day of school 09.05.2000, max. enrollment of 24 students, ages 14 to 21.

2002

Leased and moved into a larger building on Northern Pike, Monroeville.

2003

Lowered eligibility entry age from 14 to 13 years old.

2004

Increased student enrollment from 24 to 32.

2005

Awarded a 2-Year PA Department of Education Special Education Performance Grant; "Transition to Community-based Employment" Featured on NBC's Today Show as part of their autism 10 part series.

2008

Awarded a 2-Year PA Department of Public Welfare Bureau of Autism Grant; “Transition to Community-based Employment”.

2009

Purchased 3.9 acres, which included the previously leased school building & the Autism Society of Pittsburgh’s Office Building.

2011

Spectrum’s Board of Trustees approved the motion to move forward with the Green & Healthy Expansion Project. Purpose: To give more children unique opportunities of growth, community-based learning, self-worth, and full potential; to enable students to become productive citizens; to not only benefit themselves, but their community as well.

2012

Founding member of the Green Building Alliance of Pittsburgh’s Green & Healthy Schools Academy; 12-13 & 13-14 school year; awarded the Diploma of Inspiration.

2014

Awarded “Moving to the Head of the Class: Recognizing Progress toward Energy Efficiency in Pennsylvania’s Schools” Met the requirements for a level Gold Designation of the SWPA Sustainable Small Business Program.

2015

Presented with the Eco Schools USA Green Flag Award through the National Wildlife Federation.

2016

Earned High Honor status through the Healthy Schools PA Recognition Program.

2017

Students have volunteered an estimated 16,000 hours in the community since 2000. Awarded Building Energy Star Certification since 2014. Awarded First Place in the Duquesne Light Community Education Energy Efficiency Program. Designated as a Live Well Allegheny School.

2018

Students volunteered an estimated 19,000+ hours in the community since 2000. Awarded Building Energy Star Certification: 2014 – 2018.

2019

Participated In Transition Coordinating Council of Allegheny County Mock Interview (TCCAC) – Students were Awarded Best Overall and Best Dressed Received donation of ¼ acre of neighboring property – increasing School’s footprint to 4.15 acres.

2019

Celebrating 20th Anniversary – First Autism Specific Charter School in the United States

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Affiliates

Link to Healthier Generation with logo image.
Link to Autism Connectionwith logo image.
Link to National Wildlife Federation with logo image.
Link to Forbes Funds with logo image.
Link to Great Non-Profits with logo image.
Link to Green Building Alliance with logo image.
Link to EPA with logo image.
Link to living future with logo image.
Link to live well with logo image.
Link to Monroeville Chamberwith logo image.
Link to PA coalition with logo image.
Link to PA agency with logo image.
Link to Autism Pittsburgh with logo image.
Link to Pittsburgh professional women with logo image.
Link to sustainable monroeville with logo image.

Spectrum Charter School Earns Prestigious Awards

The Green Flag Award recognizes schools that are creating healthy and sustainable learning environments and teaching to environmental literacy. The National Wildlife Foundation Eco­Schools USA program presented the award to students and faculty members during a October 28, 2015 ceremony. Spectrum Charter School is one of two schools in Pennsylvania to receive this national environment award.

Mission

To provide a life changing environment where students and their families feel safe, comfortable, and achieve their highest potential. We envision every child being educated, with skills identified, to live successful and fulfilling lives.

Vision

To be in the forefront on delivery of educational and transitional services for individuals on the spectrum and special education students who may have difficulty learning in traditional environments.

Values

Spectrum Charter School values providing a caring/nurturing, student-centered environment where parents, teachers, and community partner together to empower the successful future of every child.