Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8 is a small neighborhood school that provides all of the educational resources and opportunities of a comprehensive middle school in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville community. Our students represent over twenty-six countries including Kenya, Somalia, Burundi, and Mexico and provide a diverse student population where students learn to acknowledge and appreciate various cultures. At Arsenal, students work together and develop leadership skills that prepare them for the Pittsburgh Promise. Every student is provided a challenging curriculum that teaches the habits of mind necessary for higher achievement in all content areas. While all students enter Arsenal with varying levels of achievement, our goal is to strengthen and grow every student's academic performance in preparation for high school.
Students at Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8 are provided intensive enrichment and academic support to increase reading and math proficiency. Students have access to Read 180 and 90-minute English/Language Arts classes, as well as in-school tutoring programs that allow teachers additional time to focus on individual student needs. Our students have demonstrated consistent success in mathematics and have access to Algebra 1, as well as computer-based learning opportunities to strengthen basic skills. In addition to our core curriculum classes, students also have the opportunity to enroll in Art, Music, and Physical Education for a balanced scheduled that includes a focus on health and art appreciation. Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8 is an English as a Second Language (ESL) regional center and provides support for students new to the English Language while providing access to the mainstream curriculum.
Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8 offers a complete sports program including basketball, soccer, cross-country, volleyball, swimming, and wrestling. In addition, Arsenal 6-8 offers after school activities in Art, Music and Technology through various community partnerships. Mentoring is also available through Big Brothers/Big Sister's during lunch each week for any interested student in grades 6-8. East End Cooperative Ministries also offers mentoring that extends beyond the school day into community. Arsenal 6-8 is also focused on positive self-image and healthy decisions. We maintain a Health Rangers program through Children's Hospital and have on-site access to Children's Nurses and services. Mercy Behavioral Health and Family Links provide a variety of social skills groups and therapeutic options to assist students in need.
Additional Educational Services:
Learning Support, Speech & Language, Itinerant Hearing and Vision, Autistic Support, Emotional Support, Occupation Therapy and Physical Therapy, Regional Life Skills Support Classroom
Arsenal 6-8 is a STAR School.
Students and Teachers Achieving Results (STAR) is a school-level award to recognize all staff represented by the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers in schools making extraordinary gains in student achievement. Certain schools within PPS have been making extraordinary contributions to student growth, and now we have a way to recognize their accomplishments.
