New Campus - ECS Along the River

The lease ECS currently has for the middle school is ending in 2028. As we looked at alternatives, we considered how moving the Middle School and High School together could offer opportunities for expanding and improving our programs while also simplifying management and saving some expenses. The Elmhurst Innovation Center provides many benefits and turned out to be the best option available. Our other schools also have space challenges. There are seven years remaining on the lease with the Primary School and ECS will need to figure out what's next for it. The Intermediate School is our flagship school and, as such, we will not move from it. We do need to invest in the facility. Many people, including Facilities, are thinking about that re-investment.

Please see the More FAQs document for additional details.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) serves the site. The average ride time for current students is approximately 46 minutes. The nearby Great Allegheny Passage and Eliza Furnace Trail allow for access with an exit right across the street, with pedestrian signalization at the traffic signal. There are also as many as 250 parking spaces available.

If you search for the site with Google Maps, currently there is a problem with filtering that shows incorrect route information. To resolve this, take the following steps. Open Google Maps and input the address 743 Technology Drive (15219). Click "Directions". Input your home address. Select "Public Transit". When routes are provided, select "Options". Under "Routes" select "Less Walking". Close the "options" window. You can also select specific arrival or departure times under "Leave Now."

The indoor space at the Elmhurst Innovation Center is 89,211 sq.ft., which will allow for 42 classrooms at or more than 800 sq.ft. Specialty spaces could include a literacy lab, remix lab, robotics lab, and hydroponics, along with a gymnasium and cafeteria. There is also ample open space immediately outside of the facility for out the door learning opportunities and programs. There is a two-acre lot adjacent to the facility, and open space across the state. There are also a number of nearby opportunities for out the door learning including the Monongahela River, the Great Allegheny Passage, Hazelwood Green, and South Shore Park.

Moreover, at this new location ECS would be better positioned to serve students from all across the City of Pittsburgh and adjacent school districts. And we would have enough space to increase enrollment. In a new facility, ECS could add as many as 150-200 more students for a total of approximately 650-700 students between the two programs.

At the June 17th Meeting of the Board of Directors, ECS officially recommended the relocation of its Middle and High School Programs to a new facility located at 743 Technology Drive (currently the Elmhurst Innovation Center). The Board will consider the recommendation and vote on the proposal at a special Board Meeting which will be held on Tuesday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m. at ECS Middle School. If agreement is reached, transition to the new campus is anticipated to occur in advance of the 2027-2028 School Year.

If we are successful in negotiating a lease for the Elmhurst Innovation Center, ECS will evaluate the possible uses of the Hamilton Avenue property and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors.