Passport Academy Begins Renovations on New Uptown Site
The charter school is transforming a former medical suite into a permanent campus for 160 students by next year.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Passport Academy Charter School has officially begun major interior renovations at its new permanent home at 1835 Forbes Avenue in Uptown. The project aims to consolidate school operations into one centralized space for its 160 students.
Why it matters
The move provides students aged 16 to 21 with a stable, permanent learning environment while improving daily logistics through direct access to the Pittsburgh Regional Transit University bus line.
The school purchased the former medical suites at 1835 Forbes Avenue for a total project investment between $7 million and $8 million. Renovations are currently underway to prepare the facility for the 2027-2028 school year.
The players
Passport Academy Charter School
An educational institution serving students aged 16 to 21 that has previously operated in the Hill District, Downtown, and Garfield.
The details
The building requires a comprehensive interior gut and renovation to transform former medical office suites into functional academic space. Planned upgrades include the construction of specialized learning areas, such as a student lounge, a podcast studio, and a modern fabrication lab to support the school's curriculum.
Timeline
2014: Passport Academy Charter School opened.
September 2026: The school closed on the purchase of the Uptown property.
October 28, 2026: Official renovation efforts were launched at 1835 Forbes Ave.
Spring 2027: Construction is expected to be completed.
The Home Front
This project follows a trend of charter schools securing permanent real estate to stabilize long-term operational costs in urban centers. The site selection specifically emphasizes transit-oriented accessibility, positioning the school near the Pittsburgh Regional Transit University bus line.
Families with students currently enrolled in the academy should monitor official school communications for updates on the relocation timeline. You can check the school's social channels or parent portal for information regarding orientation schedules before the 2027-2028 academic year.
The takeaway
The relocation marks a significant shift for the school by centralizing its footprint in the Uptown district. Keep this timeline in mind for student transportation planning as the start of the 2027-2028 school year approaches.
What happens next
School officials expect the facility to be fully renovated by spring 2027, with classes officially beginning at the new Uptown location for the 2027-2028 school year.
Further reading
Learn more about the local landscape for Secondary Education in the city.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TribLIVE.
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