Committed to Excellence: City High's Middle States Accreditation
As a Middle States–accredited charter high school in Pittsburgh, City High proudly upholds the rigorous standards set by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS). The Middle States Association is a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 130 years, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development, and advance student achievement. This accreditation recognizes schools that go above and beyond to provide high-quality education, continuous improvement, and meaningful results for students.
What Accreditation Means
Accreditation is a promise to our students, families, and community. Through the Middle States process, City High demonstrates that our academic programs, operations, and outcomes meet internationally recognized standards of excellence. The evaluation includes a self-study, external team visit, and ongoing review to ensure that everything we do—from instruction to support services—reflects best practices in education.
For families, this means confidence that their student is learning in an environment focused on college and career readiness, real-world learning, and student success.
Since first earning Middle States Accreditation in 2007, City High has continually refined its model to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners. The process involves collaboration across our entire community—teachers, students, families, and administrators—who work together to identify strengths, set new goals, and measure progress.
Each accreditation cycle provides an opportunity to reaffirm our mission: to prepare students for college, career, and life through rigorous academics, technology-infused learning, and personalized support.
Our Current Schoolwide Goals
City High’s most recent Middle States review identified three key areas of focus for our ongoing Plan for Growth and Improvement in years 2022-2029. These goals guide our professional development, curriculum design, and community partnerships—and they’re central to City High’s long-term vision for excellence.
Equity
To prioritize more equitable practices that will lead to improving student connection to the school community, reducing exclusionary discipline, and increasing opportunities for student voice.
Honors & Advanced Learning
To increase the diversity and total number of students that participate in an advanced learning opportunity.
Student and Staff Well-being
To improve programming and opportunities available in the school that address their social and emotional needs.