At The Harry S. Tack Education Center at the Sewickley Campus, Watson offers an approved private school that is licensed to serve children ages 3 to 21 with autism, cerebral palsy, neurological impairments and other developmental disabilities. The Education Center`s classrooms are staffed by a special education teacher and two paraprofessionals. The staff to student ratio is approximately 1:2. Each classroom team consists of the teacher, paraprofessionals and related service professionals. Service professionals available to the classroom include speech and language therapists, occupational and physical therapists, teachers of the visually impaired, social workers, behavior specialists and a school nurse. Additionally, there are "special" classes: art, music, library and adapted physical education. These classrooms are staffed by a teacher certified in their respective content area. A paraprofessional is assigned to each special classroom as well.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked PA School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 179 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Watson Institute ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
School History
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1917
Summer School Offered
Yes
Student Body
Total Students
179 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
15%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Watson Institute often compared to?
Watson Institute is often viewed alongside schools like Pressley Ridge School For Autism by visitors of our site.
What is Watson Institute's ranking?
Watson Institute ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Watson Institute?
The application deadline for Watson Institute is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Calendar
View the Watson Institute yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Spring Break
March 30, 2026 (Monday)
Spring Break
April 02, 2026 (Thursday)
Early Dismissal / Last Day of School
June 05, 2026 (Friday)
Last Day of School for Students
June 09, 2026 (Tuesday)
School Reviews
Endorse Watson Institute. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
Learn how to appeal for financial aid after admission to a private school, with expert steps, timelines, and 2026 updates for families.
Enrollment Trends 2026: Private School Admissions Outlook
Enrollment Trends 2026 analysis explains why private schools are seeing enrollment growth or decline and what families should know.
Extracurricular Sign-Ups: Choosing Clubs & Sports Wisely
A 2026 parent guide to extracurricular sign-ups, helping families choose clubs, sports, and activities before the school year begins.



