Enrollment Process & FAQs

ECS accepts applications for students from Kindergarten to 10th Grade with a priority for students in the Pittsburgh Public School District (PPS).

ECS is a tuition-free public school located in the City of Pittsburgh and is open to all students regardless of race, ethnic background, gender, religion, and/or ability. 

Open enrollment is a period of time when an application is submitted and eligible for the lottery. ECS’ open enrollment period is typically from October-January.

Post-enrollment is a period of time when an application is submitted after the open enrollment period. Any application received after the open enrollment period is not eligible for the lottery. The application will be added to the post lottery waiting list in the order it was received. As students decline offers of enrollment, your student moves up the waiting list. You can check your SchooolMint account for your waitlist number. 

Absolutely!  However, it’s important to know that since our charter is authorized by the Pittsburgh Public Schools, we do offer preference to city residents. Because of this, available spots will go to Pittsburgh Public Schools students before out-of-district residents.

Yes!  Any application received after open enrollment is added to the post-lottery waiting list. Don’t forget to check your SchoolMint account for your waitlist number.

Kindergarten has up to 78 spots while 1st grade has up to 26 spots,.

For grades 2-10, open spots depend on re-enrollment.  The number of spots available in each grade is subject to change each school year in response to our annual re-enrollment process for current students.  When a family lets the enrollment department know that they are not returning to ECS, we notify students who are on the waiting list.

ECS is a charter school that is authorized by the Pittsburgh Public Schools, therefore we must give preference to students who reside in the City of Pittsburgh. 

Your child must meet the kindergarten age cutoff date set by the public school district where you live.

For example:

• Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS): 5 years old by September 30
• Penn Hills School District: 5 years old by September 1
• Woodland Hills School District: 5 years old by September 1
• Wilkinsburg School District: 5 years old by September 1

If your district is not listed above, please contact your local school district to confirm its kindergarten age cutoff date.

Transportation is provided by the school district that you reside in. For example, Pittsburgh Public Schools provides transportation for students that live in the PPS zone. If you live outside of the Pittsburgh Public Schools, please check with the district you reside in for transportation. Pittsburgh Public Schools provides Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) bus passes for all middle and high school students who are not within walking distance to the schools (as determined by state law).

Grades K–5 do have a uniform policy, while grades 6–12 have a dress code. More information regarding these policies can be found in our family handbook located on each school page on the website.

SchoolMint is an online enrollment and communication platform working with public, charters, and private schools, to make the enrollment process for parents easier, and faster.

SchoolMint offers different options so parents can apply and register with a computer or mobile device. They can upload student documents, check application status, and even select the method they prefer to receive school communications - by email or text.

ECS utilizes this enrollment software to ensure security and timely response to your student’s acceptance.

ECS's Admission and Lottery policy is set by its Board of Trustees. It is reviewed and updated periodically as appropriate.