Watson Institute Photo #0 - Staff and students had a blast at the annual Watson Fun Day!

Watson Institute

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 Rankings

Watson Institute ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

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.: 11:1

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.

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Quick Facts (2026)

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Allegheny County, PA is $12,245 for elementary schools and $16,635 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Allegheny County, PA is 72% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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