The Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, located in the heart of Oakland, Pennsylvania, is an educational facility committed to training visually impaired students with additional disabilities.
Founded more than 100 years ago as a facility to provide the best education for boys and girls who were blind, the School has never wavered from this mandate.
As a private institution chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the School educates approximately 175 students annually from 242 school districts within western Pennsylvania.
Students may enroll at age three and they can continue until 21.
The curriculum emphasizes the acquisition of life skills. Teachers and therapists collaborate on planning and implementing effective, individualized educational programs.
Residential facilities are available for those students who live in outlying districts.
Some pre-school age students have the single disability of blindness and their early training will prepare them for eventually completing their education in a public school.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked PA School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 167 students
- Yearly Tuition: $25,000
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
School History
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Year Founded
1887
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Sun. Jun 15, 2025
Student Body
Total Students
167 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
26%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$25,000
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 81%
Application URL
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children cost?
Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children's tuition is approximately $25,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children?
The acceptance rate of Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children is 85%, which is higher than the national average of 81%.
What is Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children's ranking?
Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children?
The application deadline for Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children located?
Western Pennsylvania School For Blind Children is located in the North Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA. There are 5 other private schools located in North Oakland.
School Reviews
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