CORNELL SCHOOL DISTRICT
1099 MAPLE STREET · CORAOPOLIS, PA 15108
Administration:
Dr. Aaron Thomas, Superintendent
Mrs. Abigail Longwell, High School Principal
Mr. Jeffrey Carter, Elementary School Principal
Mrs. Carla Antoniades, Special Education Supervisor
Dr. Kris Hupp, Director of Technology & Instructional Innovation
Mr. Robert Geletko, Business Manager
DISTRICT PROFILE
Community
The Cornell School District, comprised of the communities of Coraopolis and Neville Island, is located approximately ten miles west of downtown Pittsburgh. Situated along the Ohio River, near Interstate 79, and in close proximity to the Pittsburgh International Airport, the school district has an excellent transportation network via bus, rail, boat, and air transportation.
The population of the two communities is approximately 6,365 residents. Coraopolis is mainly a residential community with a business district of family-owned stores and shops, plus newer businesses and small companies that take advantage of the excellent transportation network and low property tax rate. Although once a heavy industrial-based township, Neville Island is increasingly made up of a variety of new business ventures and opportunities. A low
millage rate and excellent modes of transportation make the Cornell School District an attractive community for business and manufacturing development.
School District
Cornell School District, grades K-12, is located on one campus in Coraopolis with separate wings for elementary and secondary instruction. The climate-controlled building includes a large library, two gymnasiums, fitness center, cardio center, auditorium, and large swimming pool. Cornell has extensively renovated and repurposed several classroom spaces within the district in the recent years. In addition, Cornell has upgraded many of the outside spaces.
Cornell Elementary established a “House System” in 2025 which includes all students in grades 3-6. Students are sorted into “Houses” and remain in that House throughout their time at Cornell Elementary. Students are able to build lasting relationships and friendships with students from across grade spans, and teachers are assigned a House as well in which they oversee House Challenges, assign students specific roles and responsibilities, and continually build and strengthen relationships with their students. Starting in 2026, teachers began overseeing a House Store in which students can purchase items, such as books, small toys, Cornell gear, water bottles, etc.) with points they have earned. Students can earn points for their house and individually based on good deeds they have done throughout the day. The House System has really helped enhance the positive teaching and learning culture and climate at Cornell Elementary and we can see the positive impact each and every day. Another factor in creating the best possible learning environment possible has been the creation of our Student Wellness Room in our elementary school. Thanks to a grant from the Allegheny County Health Department called Project SEEKS, Cornell was able to enter into a partnership with Wesley Family Services, and a full-time Behavioral Health Technician is on staff. Students are able to visit the Wellness Room when they need to and programming is made available to all students as well thanks to this grant. Cornell Elementary recently received a major facelift with a brand-new state-of-the-art playground structure that all students enjoy. Pawpaw trees were recently planted by a high school group behind the playground area and there is a large pavilion our teachers have access to in which they can utilize throughout the school year that has WIFI access. All students at Cornell Elementary are issued a district owned iPad which they are able to take home and turn back in at the conclusion of the school year. Cornell Elementary also has a MakerSpace where students complete hands-on activities and projects during the day and after school and during the summer months. Cornell is a recipient of a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant which funds an after-school program, available to any student in grades 2nd – 8th grade, during the school year and a six-week summer program as well.
Cornell High School also has transformed spaces throughout the high school side of the building. The high school has a TV-Studio, a STEAM Lab, laser engraver room, a computer science classroom, eSports classroom, newly renovated science lab classrooms, and new tables and chairs in the cafeteria. The high school side of the building also has a recently renovated wing, home to 8 classrooms. The renovation involved reconfiguring classroom sizes, building new permanent walls, new lighting, new flooring, new ceiling tiles, and new classroom furniture. All classrooms, throughout the entire district, have large interactive displays that teachers use to maximize instruction for our students. Cornell High School has also made some major programming updates throughout the years as well. Thanks to a partnership with Robert Morris University, Cornell has greatly expanded dual enrollment offerings (where students receive high school and college credits) as well as AP course offerings. Cornell High School also just entered into an agreement with 12 Plus, an organization originally from the Philadelphia and New Jersey area. Thanks to grant money made possible from Heinz Endowment Cornell has two full-time College & Career Coordinators on staff who work with students in grades 9-12 to ensure every graduate has a post-secondary plan in place by graduation. Cornell High School has benefited from many partnerships over the years including CNX Mentorship Academy, Williams Company, ARLANXEO, Tree Pittsburgh, Western PA Conservancy, and the Consortium for Public Education to name a few.
Cornell School District updated so many interior spaces that we had to start focusing on outside the building next. The District grounds now have an outdoor classroom space, an outdoor pavilion with WIFI (mentioned above), a walkthrough garden, student picnic tables and a greenhouse. Students also have access to a hydroponics stand, are now working with composting, and Cornell has walking trails on campus with two trailheads that are open to the public. The trail system is about a mile long and is used by teachers and students as well throughout the school year.
A recent energy efficiency upgrade was completed as well resulting in replacement of all heating and air conditioning units, installation of new lighting in gymnasium and pool area, installation of censor-controlled lights in the classrooms, and additional items to help reduce our energy costs. The biggest project thus far has been a roof replacement project that included the installation of 2,295 solar panels on the top of the building. This has resulted in almost a 35% reduction in energy bills and is a great example to our students and community about smart, clean energy. Thanks to this project, Cornell School District was awarded the 2025 Sustainability Award by the America Society of Civil Engineers – Pittsburgh Section.
Honors and Awards
The Cornell School District has been recognized at the local, state and national levels for going above and beyond for students and creating a teaching and learning environment that allows students and staff to excel. Cornell was recognized as the Overachieving School District of the year, as well as the Overachieving School District for the Decade by the Pittsburgh Business Times. Cornell was also one of nine school districts recognized nationally by AASA and was designated as a “School Systems to Watch.” Cornell School District was also recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers for our solar project – resulting in 2,295 solar panels being installed on the roof – by receiving the “Stainability Award.” In addition, Cornell students participate in a variety of district, regional, state, and national academic, vocational, artistic, and athletic competitions resulting in numerous awards, championships, and recognitions annually.
Cornell School District
Mission Statement
Cornell School District will provide each student a challenging, relevant, and rigorous education that prepares them socially, emotionally, and academically to succeed at their maximum potential.
Vision Statement
The Cornell School District, while working in a collective and cooperative manner with all
stakeholders, will create a positive, meaningful, and safe learning environment and culture that
promotes the dignity of all individuals, development of responsible citizenship, and allows all students to be educated to their maximum potential.
Shared Values
We believe that…
The Cornell School District offers a comprehensive academic program that prepares students to succeed in the post-secondary arena. All courses and assessments are aligned to the newly established PA Core Standards, and a new curriculum mapping initiative is underway. Students are exposed to different career paths through career education presentations throughout their time at Cornell. Technology is also incorporated at all grade levels and subject areas in the district when appropriate.
Special curriculum offerings include the following: University of Pittsburgh College in the High School Program, Robert Morris University College in the High School Program and LaRoche College Scholars Program.
Honors: These are rigorous courses that demand a high level of analytical reading ability and challenge students at a very high level of cognitive thinking. Students may also elect to take AP courses in English, Dual Enrollment courses in math, science, American Government, Spanish, French and Accounting.
In the elementary school we successfully implemented a School-wide Positive Behavior Support System, which emphasizes teaching expected behaviors in the same manner as any core curriculum subject. The technology curriculum has also been enhanced in grades K-6 with Code.org being taught at all grade levels as well as the introduction of our new Makerspace.
Vocational-Technical Training is provided to our senior high students in Grades 9-12 at Parkway West Career and Technical School.
The Cornell Cyber Program services elementary and high schools students who have entered the cyber program for a variety of reasons. Each course is facilitated by a Cornell School District subject-specific certified teacher and grading and progress is monitored continually. Students are able to work online at any time during the day or night including weekends. Each course is individualized for each student and the cyber program allows for a non-traditional learning experience for students who may need a different avenue to achieve academic success.
Gifted education at the elementary program is provided via a pullout program and enrichment in the structured groups. At the secondary level, the students’ GIEP goals are achieved through accelerated courses, AP courses, Dual Enrollment Programs, and enrichment activities. All district GIEP students have the opportunity to participate in AIU and Western Pennsylvania academic competitions.
Twenty-four credits are required for graduation from Cornell School High School.
Grades in each subject area are based on the following symbols:
LETTER PERCENT GRADE
GRADE POINT
A 90-100 4
B 80-89 3
C 70-79 2
D 60-69 1
F 59-Below 0
Our interscholastic athletic program provides high-level competition in both team and individual sports. Interscholastic sports are those in which students compete against teams or individuals from other school districts.
Athletic activities are offered at the junior high school, 9th grade, junior varsity, and varsity levels. Some sports do not offer competition in all four levels.
Our district currently offers the following interscholastic sports:
Boys: Baseball, Basketball, Cross-Country, Football, Golf, Swimming, Track, and Soccer.
Girls: Basketball, Cross-Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Track, and Volleyball.
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (P.I.A.A.) governs high school interscholastic sports programs in Pennsylvania. As a member district, we follow the policies and regulations formulated by the Association. Additional information regarding the athletic program is available from the Athletic Director. Students are offered a number of extracurricular experiences. Students can participate in the band beginning in seventh grade. The athletic program includes football, basketball, softball and baseball, swimming, and golf teams. There are also intramural programs in both the junior and senior high school levels. Other activities include a student newspaper, yearbook, Key Club, National Honor Society, junior high and high school student councils, and class plays.