City Charter High School

Michelle Fossum

Michelle Fossum
Director of Enrollment and Strategic Communications

An accomplished educator and school leader, Michelle Fossum brings a wealth of experience from her many experiences in innovative, urban educational environments.  Michelle has worked at City Charter High School for 20 years, and during that time, she has worked as an Information Literacy teacher, been in leadership roles as an Educational Leader and a grade-level team leader, and also served as a mentor to many of her fellow staff members. Currently, Michelle works as the Director of Enrollment and Strategic Communication.  She believes in the value of using a nuanced and strategic approach to coordinate the school’s recruitment and marketing efforts as well as internal and external communications to students, staff, families, and the community through newsletters, announcements, and social media. She is also the proud City High parent of a Class of 2025 student!

Michelle holds a K-12 Administration certificate, an M.S. in Educational Leadership and Administration, and a Master of Library Science, complemented by teaching certificates in English and Library Science. Michelle earned her bachelor's degree from Penn State in English, with a focus on creative writing and a minor in Architectural History.  Before her tenure at City High, Michelle's career path showcased her versatility, including stints as a graphic artist for a meteorologic company, a museum library archivist, and a high school librarian. 

City Charter High School Certified as a High-Quality Charter School

City Charter High School Certified as a High-Quality Charter School

City High was recognized by the PA Coalition of Public Charter Schools (PCPCS) as a High-Quality Charter School. Read more

City High CEO Dr. Dara Ware Allen Named to Carnegie Hero Fund Commission Board.

City High CEO Dr. Dara Ware Allen Named to Carnegie Hero Fund Commission Board.

The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission names City High CEO Dr. Dara Ware Allen to its board. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission recognizes and supports those who perform acts of heroism in civilian life in the United States and Canada. Congratulations Dr. Allen! Read more

City High Alum Joins Gov. Shapiro Administration

City High Alum Joins Gov. Shapiro Administration

City High Alumni Class of 2011 Larry Hailsham joins Gov. Shapiro's administration. Read more

City High receives Remake Learning mini-grant

City High receives Remake Learning mini-grant

The Catalyzing Computer Science Learning at Home grant will extend in-school robotics learning by providing students with materials that they can take home such as Micro:bits with accessories, a Finch robot, Tello EDU Drone and/or materials to 3D and laser print accessories. Read more

City High Internship Manager Named 2022 Pittsburgh Courier Woman of Excellence

City High Internship Manager Named 2022 Pittsburgh Courier Woman of Excellence

Congratulations to Internship Manager and Educational Leader Keiha Drummond for being named one of the Pittsburgh Courier's Women of Excellence for 2022. Read more

Interview with Dr. Dara Ware Allen, CEO of City Charter High School - Soul Pitt Media Health & Business Report

Interview with Dr. Dara Ware Allen, CEO of City Charter High School - Soul Pitt Media Health & Business Report

Dr. Allen takes a moment with Soul Pitt to talk about the many core innovations that make City High's education model so unique and successful. Soul Pitt Media Health & Business Report - Episode #40 Read more

Shamara Ray, City High Alumna Class of 2016 Opens Her Own Bakery in the Pittsburgh Brentwood neighborhood

Shamara Ray, City High Alumna Class of 2016 Opens Her Own Bakery in the Pittsburgh Brentwood neighborhood

Shamara Ray, Class of 2016, puts her baking education and experience to work at her bakery, Love Made Edible. "Ray interned at Grandview Bakery on Mt. Washington while she attended City Charter High School". Read more