Passport Academy Charter School Redefines “Going Back to School”

As the warm days of August faded into the crisp mornings of September, more than 25,000 students poured back into classrooms across Pittsburgh. The back-to-school season stirs a mix of emotions—excitement in seeing familiar teachers and friends, the nervous energy of new classes, and the fresh promise of a new beginning. Yet, while the ritual feels timeless, the experience of returning to school is never the same for every student.
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For some students, the road through high school is anything but smooth. A few find themselves falling so far behind academically that dropping out feels like the only option. Others shoulder responsibilities at home or face heartbreaking challenges, like losing a parent or navigating an unexpected pregnancy. And then there are those who simply feel out of place in a traditional classroom. That’s where Passport Academy Charter School steps in. Here, each student’s story matters. Teachers and staff work side by side with them to create a plan that makes graduation—and a future beyond it—possible, whether that means college, vocational training, or starting a career.

“Some of our kids come to us after they quit high school and realize they need a diploma to take their next step,” said Joe Oliphant, principal of PACS. “Others come when they realize they might fail out of the school they're currently attending. Sometimes they have some barriers we need to break through. We always start by showing the kids we trust them, and we want them to be here.”

When students at PACS were asked what “going back to school” means to them, their answers reflected a wide range of goals—some spoke about improving on the previous year, others focused on preparing to graduate and enter the workforce, and many emphasized their determination to do “whatever it takes” to earn a diploma.

Life isn’t always linear, and for many students, the second chance PACS provides can be the turning point that changes everything. Here, education adapts to students’ lives, offering flexible schedules that make room for work and family, and personalized learning that builds on each student’s strengths. Graduates walk away with more than just a diploma that meets Pennsylvania state requirements; they gain the confidence and direction to step into their future. From hands-on training in the Industrial Arts Weld Scholars Program, to cutting-edge experiences at the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy, to professional guidance through the CNX Resources Mentorship Academy, PACS empowers students to discover their passions and pursue meaningful paths forward.

“My goal each day is to get kids excited about learning, and help them envision a path for themselves beyond high school,” said Oliphant. “Our partners help a lot with getting our students engaged, whether it’s sparking an interest in robotics, welding or even podcasting. At PACS, we know that when we can get kids back to school we can show them pathways for their future they never thought about before.”
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​Under the best circumstances, going “back to school” is about more than lessons and assignments—it’s about growth, opportunity, and the chance to shape one’s own future. For PACS students, that journey may take a different path, but its impact is just as profound, reminding us that every step forward, no matter how unconventional, can lead to success.

For additional information about PACS, including how to enroll, visit:
​https://www.passportacademycharter.org/