Environmental Charter School Named Best Charter Elementary School in the Pittsburgh Area
The Environmental Charter School (ECS) was recently named Best Charter Elementary School in the Pittsburgh area on Niche’s 2022 rankings. ECS’s elementary program is in two buildings within walking distance of each other and Frick Park.
“We are honored to be recognized so highly on Niche’s ranking,” Primary School Principal Ashley Bergman said. “Our faculty and staff are truly dedicated individuals who continually work to ensure student success in our unique play-based learning model.”
The Primary School, which serves students in grades K–2, focuses on play-based learning where students learn while enjoying some of their favorite activities like building blocks, participating in mathematical games, and discovering research-backed, play-based activities that promote physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
At the Intermediate school, grades 3–5, students explore a curriculum that is rooted in real-world problems, and they learn using the surrounding environment. Its close proximity to Regent Square and Frick Park promotes a variety of partnerships and educational opportunities that help students immerse themselves in the built, social, and natural environments as a part of the school’s mission to grow global citizens.
“While we are located in the East End of Pittsburgh, our students have the opportunity to see the world through multiple lenses including the built, social, and natural worlds,” Intermediate School Principal Laura Williams said. “Our focus on educating the whole child surpasses math and literacy and takes a deep dive into equity, inclusion, and diversity, and I think that perspective makes the school community stronger and resilient.”
ECS is a tuition-free K–12, public charter school in the city of Pittsburgh’s East End community. ECS combines the academic rigor of the best public schools with a multi-disciplinary, “out-the-door” learning approach rooted in real-world problems that build active, engaged, and empathetic citizens.
ECS is currently accepting applications for grades K–10 for the 22–23 school year until Jan. 31, 2022. Learn more about ECS and the application process at ecspgh.org/apply.