Kentucky Avenue School

Where small class sizes empower students to become the creators of individual and shared worlds.

KAS is a progressive K-8 school where children are challenged and supported to become critically thoughtful, creative, and empowered global citizens.

At KAS, we ask thoughtful questions and explore with wonder.

Kentucky Avenue School is a small, vibrant, licensed independent school located in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood, and serves diverse students from kindergarten through eighth grade. We offer small classes, a child-friendly environment, skilled teaching, and a challenging curriculum conveyed through both traditional and innovative methods.

Our K-5 Elementary School has become renowned for its ability to meet the needs of families where a more caring and creative approach to learning is required. Our community celebrates a range of diversity and student interests rarely found in small city schools. Together with patient, motivating teachers, students prosper in ways that surprise and amaze.

Similarly, the Middle School at KAS is the perfect place for 10-14 year olds to celebrate learning and personal exploration in a safe nurturing setting, free from the distractions of high school. KAS middle school students graduate fully prepared academically, socially, and especially emotionally, and have been accepted into nearly every high school across the Pittsburgh Area.

At KAS we imagine, make, and express ourselves authentically.

Under a single K-8 philosophy and mission, KAS hosts three distinct programs. At all levels, Kentucky Avenue remains steadfast to its commitment to Curiosity, Creativity, Compassion, Courage, and Community (The KAS 5 C’s).

More about

KINDERGARTEN

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More about

GRADES 1-5

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More about

GRADES 6-8

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Small hands inspire big ideas.

The KAS Kindergarten is a place for play and creation – and where every child is known. Coming from an array of East End preschools, our students have a range of abilities and interests – which is perfect for a year in the KAS Kindergarten. As incoming kangaroos, each child is celebrated as individuals as the develop curiosity, personal connections, and self-expression.

At KAS, we learn by doing. Our students begin to understand that each individual – including themselves – is unique, and with different needs and strengths. School is fun and meaningful, and friendships and advocacy for self and others leads engagement. Supported by a philosophy that includes play- and project-based learning, as well as fully integrated social emotional development, laughter and learning go hand-in-hand. We build, we plant, we explore, and we grow – and sometimes we get dirty!

Our youngest community members may be small, but they are heard! We cross-pollinate experiences across different ages and abilities to assure each is getting what they need. Class trips are regular occurrences as we are known to take the public bus, walk to Walnut Street, visit Mellon Park, and explore museums and libraries.

There is so much to celebrate at KAS and we’d love to tell you more.

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Getting it right – from the start.

KAS students enjoy a unique setting where all students are known, and where their opinions matter. In a setting of care and self-expression, KAS students embark on the learning journey with laughter and a feeling of success.

In a safer space for personal development, KAS welcomes families who seek a more mindful and accepting environment for their children. Each day, elementary students explore, construct, present, and share their thinking. They work together, embrace challenge, and succeed at being happy young people!

For more than two decades, KAS has been an inspirational place where students smile, create, play, and develop both academic and socio-emotional skills. Here, laughter, discussion, creativity, hard work, and diversity is the daily expectation. In our setting of trust and surprisingly engaging class sizes, students actively participate in our community, and strengthen their identity and skills. Additionally, KAS Elementary School teachers are truly superior, and create bonds with their students that last lifetimes.

The KAS Elementary School is a very special place: you’ll feel it the moment you walk through our doors. Thank you for considering us, and I look forward to meeting you on campus soon. Welcome to OUR KAS.

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The perfect setting to prepare for high school.

The Middle School at KAS has long been a place where all students are known, and relationships are built. Students learn to trust and advocate for themselves, develop their academics, and build 21st Century Skills.

Each day, we observe each student’s growth and engagement in our caring community, free from bullying and status-mindedness. Our focus is deliberate and unwavering: we provide a setting where all children are appreciated and challenged, not only to do their best, but to care for one another, and learn the skills to prosper in high school.

Our graduates are true individuals, and are capable of mindfully engaging with the world around them. With ever increasing confidence, and with our amazingly supportive community, KAS middle schoolers grow in ways unimaginable.

The Middle School at KAS is known as a place of Small Classes and Big Ideas. We have more than 20 years of experience helping students succeed with the transition from the middle years into high schools of choice. We are particularly proud of our track record here.

Thanks, and welcome to OUR KAS!

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At KAS we care deeply for ourselves, others, and our world.

  • While our family has been lucky to have more than one foundational school family to which we belong, Kentucky Avenue was the absolute right place at the right time for our middle schooler. The small classes brought us in, but KAS’ warm, equitable culture made us loyal to the school years after graduation. KAS might be one of the city’s best kept secrets in how it balances the socio-emotional needs of the student with the academic rigor that prepares them for the next chapter.

    PARENT of KAS ALUMNI

  • KAS gave me the confidence and curiosity that prepared me to thrive long after graduation.

    physician assistant and KAS Alumni

  • I love how every student and staff member knows my child’s name.

    KAS Parent

  • KAS radically changed (or oldest child’s) relationship to school. He has become a more confident version of himself, and has made and kept friends that love, respect, and challenge him. The emphasis put on social and emotional development alongside creative academics has been wonderful for him and his younger brother, who joined KAS as a Kindergartener. They both love being part of this unique community of teachers, students, and parents who truly care about them as Individual people.

    KAS PARENT

  • At KAS, our child has learned how to learn, rather than just memorize facts. We’ve seen them grow into an inquisitive and kind child thanks in part to the lessons from KAS.

    KAS PArent

At KAS we celebrate diversity and contribute to the common good.

Classroom Size

KAS classrooms average 6-10 students per class, with differentiated learning groups averaging 3-5 students.

Faculty

All faculty are licensed teachers with… love for teaching.

Financial Aid

Over ⅓ of all enrolled students receive some form of financial aid.

High School Acceptances

KAS students typically attend the high school of their choice as seen here.

East End Access

Centrally located in Shadyside, adjacent to 5th Avenue and within one mile of CMU, Google, Pitt, UPMC, Carlow University, Bakery Square, and the Carnegie Museums/Library.

  • Elementary school

At KAS we stand up for what’s right and embrace challenges.

KAS blocks logo

An Open House of One.

Come for a Visit

5701 5th Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232

KAS resides on the first floor of the 3rd Presbyterian Church, with the school entrance facing north on Kentucky Avenue near the corner of Kentucky and Negley Avenues.

Contact

admissions@kentuckyavenueschool.org

(412) 361-5332


Thanks, and welcome to OUR KAS!