When we look back at our daughters ’ experience at Providence Heights Alpha School , in short , my husband and I feel it was the best investment we ’ ve ever made . If asked whether we would make this same decision today , our response would be a resounding “ Yes !”

Why , you ask ? Academically , Alpha School provides an advanced curriculum coupled with critical thinking assessment activities that increase over time , allowing students to develop highly effective study and organizational skills . This supportive framework , along with a dedicated and talented group of teachers , fosters a love of learning and a positive attitude toward academic achievement . In other words , at Alpha , it is cool to get good grades .

The foundation built at Providence Heights Alpha School made for a smooth transition to high school coursework . Excelling at the high school level seemed to be a universal theme with Alpha graduates , particularly in the areas of science , math , and language arts . It was often that we ’ d hear from parents from other schools and their high school teachers that the “ Alpha kids ” had an edge .

Outside of the strong STEM curriculum , Alpha School provides opportunities to participate in a broad array of activities , such as musical theater , basketball , volleyball , soccer , and chess club , just to name a few . The differential factor at Alpha is its small size and that nearly every student is involved in some sort of extracurricular or sports activity . Often , through the encouragement of classmates , students become more confident trying something outside of their comfort zone . Our oldest daughter was a timid athlete to start ; however , through her years at Alpha , nurturing parent volunteers coached her so well that she played basketball through high school and eventually at the Division III college level .

While Providence Heights Alpha School is a Catholic school that promotes spiritual growth , there is a welcoming policy open to students of all backgrounds . This creates a diverse student body . Strong values are woven into every facet of the school day , from morning prayer , to respectful and considerate interactions in the classroom , to how the middle school students mentor the younger students in the school ’ s popular Buddy Program .

Last , but certainly not least , are the lifelong friendships that are formed by not only the students , but also the parents . Almost eight years later , my husband and I are fortunate enough to be in touch with Alpha families and keep tabs on their adorable kids who we watched grow up . It is truly a family .

Providence Heights Alpha School is an independent , private , Catholic school located in the North Hills area of Pittsburgh . Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1926 , Alpha School provides an exceptional education to children in PreK ( 4 years old ) through eighth grade . Alpha School is open to families of all faiths .

Schedule a private tour by calling 412.366.4455 . To learn more about Providence Heights Alpha School , visit alphaschool . org .

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IN Hampton Spring 2023 | Page 39

EDUCATION

PROVIDENCE HEIGHTS ALPHA SCHOOL : Providing an Academic Edge and Developing Students ’ Potential

When we look back at our daughters ’ experience at Providence Heights Alpha School , in short , my husband and I feel it was the best investment we ’ ve ever made . If asked whether we would make this same decision today , our response would be a resounding “ Yes !”