Student Handbook

Penn Hills School District leaders Dr. Matt Dado and Renel Williams presented at the Global Impact Forum, showcasing PHorge Academy—a groundbreaking, future-ready program built on four pillars: Robotics, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare, and IT. The academy empowered students to explore real-world career pathways through innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning.

Penn Hills Elementary has opened The PHactory, a hands-on maker learning space located at the school’s entrance that showcases creativity and innovation in action. Designed by Innovation Institute Fellow Kirsten Kriss, the space invites students to dream, design, and build—putting learning proudly on display for all to see.

Penn Hills School District has partnered with xTool to give students hands-on experience in product design and business development through the PHorge Entrepreneurship program.

Twenty-five Penn Hills students from the PHorge Robotics Academy and Senior High Robotics Program have earned their first industry certification in Mechanical Foundations, endorsed by the ARM Institute. This milestone highlights the district’s commitment to providing real-world, industry-aligned pathways that prepare students for college, careers, and the trades.