Carnegie Mellon

Information for Parents and Kids

Fun Things to Do in Pittsburgh

There are wonderful places in Pittsburgh where children can play and have fun. If you will visit more than two or three times in one year, ask about a "family membership" which can save you money.

• Carnegie Museums: Fine Arts, Natural History Science Center, the Warhol
• Center for Creative Play
• Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
• Dynamo Soccer
• Kennywood Park
• National Aviary
• Phipps Conservatory
• Pittsburgh Carnegie Public Libraries
• Pittsburgh Center for the Arts
• Pittsburgh City Parks and Pools
• Pittsburgh International Children's Theater
• Pittsburgh Symphony's Tiny Tots Programs
• Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library
• Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium

Several of these organizations also offer half-day and all-day summer programs for school-age children. Other well-known summer camps include Chatham College's music and dance camps in Shadyside, the Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill, and Camp Deer Creek in Fox Chapel.

Other fun and kid-friendly ideas include art and music classes and lessons, sports activities and team sports, bike-riding on the rails-to-trails trails, attending professional football, baseball and hockey games, ice skating, summer camps for all interests, and more!

General Resources for Parents

• Pittsburgh Parent Magazine
• Graduate Student Assembly

School and Day Care Information

Carnegie Mellon Schools

There are two excellent day care/pre-school facilities on Carnegie Mellon's campus:

• Cyert Center for Early Childhood Development
• Children's School at Carnegie Mellon

The Cyert Center has very limited spaces and is not readily accessible to the children of students.

Public Schools

In Pittsburgh, children are assigned to schools according to their home address. For information about how to enroll your child in public school call the Pittsburgh Public Schools at 412-622-7920. Information is also available on their website, http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/143110511476173/site/default.asp23. To inquire about Magnet Schools (schools with special educational foci such as German language, international studies, performing arts, science and technology, etc.) call the Parents Hotline at 412-622-7920. For information about the ESL program, consult the Pittsburgh Public Schools website.

To enroll your child, you must provide specific documentation:

• proof of your identity and current visa status for you and your child, i.e., passport (and that of the child), immigration documents, and a birth certificate for the child,
• immunization records, which have been officially translated (including dates),
• official translated transcripts if you wish your child to attend a grade level higher than which is considered normal for his/her age in the US,
• the US Social Security Number of at least one parent,
• proof of residence in the City of Pittsburgh by providing two documents which show a current Pittsburgh address, (any two of the following: driver's license, utility bill, tax statement, copy of a lease).

To view a formal evaluation of individual public schools, visit the website of the Pennsylvania Department of Education -Academic Achievement Report: http://www.paayp.com/district.jsp

Private Schools

There are also private schools for K-12 students. Some are affiliated with a religious organization and some are not. Private school tuition can range up to $15,000 (or more) per year; some scholarships may be available. Inquire at the admission office at each school.

Pittsburgh Consortium of Independent Schools: http://www.pittsburghindependentschools.org

Support for the Mothers of Young Children

MOPS - Mothers of Preschoolers: http://www.mops.org/

Also, investigate "Mothers Day Out" opportunities or play groups that are organized through local churches and synagogues.

Last Updated On: October 3, 2007