How We Keep Things Interesting
No two students are alike. So, we make sure to offer a diverse range of interests to keep them motivated and involved – because keeping kids engaged is what keeps them learning. Although we are technology-oriented and college/career focused, we make sure that no matter what you’re into, there’s something for you at City High.
Activities and Clubs
In the first trimester of each school year, we host an Activities Fair to introduce students and their families to the diverse activities and clubs our school has to offer. Some examples are Art Club, Climbing Club and the Spring Musical.
4PLUS Mondays
On 4PLUS Mondays, the school is open for students to participate in local field experiences, outings around town, and other City High sponsored activities.
Student Ambassadors
The Student Ambassador Program is a leadership program that offers City High students an opportunity to represent and promote our school to prospective students, their families, and other guests. Student Ambassadors will be able to help educate visitors about school culture, academics, history, and achievements through supporting school recruitment events, assisting in school tours, and participating in other school functions as a representative of our student body. The application process consists of a teacher recommendation and an interview.
Student Ambassador Eligibility Criteria
- Must be in grades 10-12
- Must have and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Teacher and Administrator Recommendation
Art Club
Students can work on independent art projects in our Art Studio.
Study Club
Students can work on assignments after school, get additional help from teachers, and collaborate together in a relaxed environment.
Boxing Club
City High Boxing offers stress relief, exercise, and fun for our students every Tuesday (boys) and Thursday (girls) after school. Our Boxing Club is facilitated by Coach Jamaal Gosa, an employee and doctoral student at the Pitt School of Social Work, who has a strong background in Restorative Practices, boxing, and working with teenagers. This is an introduction to the foundational movements and health benefits of boxing training. Our students work with heavy bags, speed bags, mitts for partner-work, and mirrors for footwork. There is no sparring (hitting other people), or any movements that could entail strikes to the head or torso of another student. All ability levels welcome!
Fitness Club
During after-school fitness club, students and teachers can work out alongside each other in City Charter High School’s on-site, state-of-the art fitness center.
Extracurricular Opportunities
In addition to advanced learning opportunities within the classroom and in honors classes, City High also believes that students should have access to extracurricular experiences that can tap into higher-level learning. These experiences can be led by City High staff or take place as connections with outside organizations.
List of Current Extracurricular Opportunities
Competitions & Productions
City Charter High School students regularly compete with other high school students throughout the region, the country and even internationally. We are proud of the students who represent us in these endeavors, because we understand the commitment and extra effort required. You may want to check out:
BotsIQ
BotsIQ is a workforce development program of the Pittsburgh Chapter National Tooling & Machining Foundation. It was created to provide a pathway for youth to explore rewarding careers in manufacturing in grades 9 to 12. To accomplish its mission, BotsIQ offers multiple programs, two of which are offered at City High.
BotsIQ Combat Robotics
Through this exciting, hands-on STEM program, student teams partner with industry professionals to experience the entire process of engineering and manufacturing a 15-pound robot (Bot), including Computer-Aided Design, fabrication, machining, welding, and electrical engineering. Once the Bot is complete, students test out their creations in BotsIQ’s gladiator style competitions.
BotsIQ Academy
BotsIQ Academy offers access to online educational platforms such as Tooling U-SME, SolidProfessor, and Mastercam University to deliver high quality, industry-based curriculum. BotsIQ Academy offers coursework to prepare for industry recognized credential exams such as SME’s Certified Manufacturing Associate certification or NIMS Materials, Measurement, and Safety credential.
English Festival
Since 2016, City High has been taking part in the WPCTE English Festival. This occurs in May each year and takes place at LaRoche University. Participating City High students have the opportunity to compete with high school students from other area schools all based around high interest, timely, Young Adult (YA) literature.Each year the WPCTE chooses six books that will be the focal points of the competition. They also invite one of the authors to kick off the festival, and the students get a chance to hear them speak and get their books signed at the event. There are pre-festival contests to participate in that involve writing, art, and film. We also practice together to prepare for the contests at the festival such as trivia, an impromptu talk show, and deeper insights.
Check out the WPCTE English Festival website for more information about the books and the contests or contact Mrs. Watson-Smith at watson-smith@cityhigh.org for information on how to get involved!
Cultural Field Trips
City High’s cultural field trips not only expand your interests, but can also help you create bonds with your classmates that last well beyond high school.-
9th Grade
- Presque Isle—Kayaking, canoeing, fishing and swimming in Erie PA
- Camp Kon-o-Kwee—Canoeing, rock climbing, and the Trail of Courage obstacle course
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10th Grade
- Laurel Caverns—Caverns tour, rappelling
- Niagara Falls—Maid of the Mist and the Cave of Winds, descending 175 feet into Niagara Gorge to the Hurricane Deck
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11th Grade
- New York City— Times Square, Ferry Ride past the Statue of Liberty, and a slice of the Big Apple!
- Ohiopyle—Students enjoy rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing in one of the largest state parks located in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania
- International Service Learning—Each year, up to 20 City Charter High School junior students are invited to embark on a journey of personal and cultural discovery in a foreign country
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12th Grade
- Teen Quest—The Laurel Highlands engage fellow seniors in a rugged outdoor adventure, including horseback rides, archery, paintball, biking, fishing, go-cart driving, outdoor mazes and much more.
Service Learning
We also sponsor Service Learning experiences throughout the year to encourage students to give back to their communities.
International Service Learning
The Latin American Studies International Service Learning Program is an inter-cultural and international self-development experience that involves a true commitment to activities ranging from community service to intense hiking trips and cultural events. It includes a 13-week elective course to study the politics, culture, language, and natural environment of Latin America and concludes with a 7 day journey to Costa Rica.
Read about some student experiences and self discoveries.
Nick Durkin Scholarship Fund: The Nick Durkin Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to City Charter High School students participating in the school's annual Costa Rica service trip. Nick participated in this trip in 2012 when he was a senior at City High. It was one of the most positive and affirming experiences he ever had. Nick passed away in December of 2017. Although the circumstances around his death are incredibly sad, this fund is a way to share Nick's spirit with those who knew him and those who never had the chance to meet him.
See the List of this year's winners!
Urban Eco-Stewards
City High 10th graders can join UrbanEcostewards, a volunteer program with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, as part of their 10th-grade Science curriculum. Our Ecostewards team adopts and cares for sites in local parks and communities throughout the year to remove invasive plants, care for trees, clear trash, and much more.
Dances & Social Activities
City High has an informal dance in the Fall and a semi-formal in the Winter, the Snowball, that all students can attend. The is also a formal Senior Prom each May.
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Fundraisers
City High provides a variety of fundraisers for students and families to help offset the cost of field trips and senior activities.For more information about Student Fundraisers, contact our Activities Manager at activities@cityhigh.org.