Dominus High School: The Charter School for Entrepreneurs

A New Model for the Future of Education

Dominus High School is redefining what it means to prepare students for success in the modern world. As Pittsburgh’s first and only high school dedicated exclusively to entrepreneurship, Dominus offers an educational experience unlike any other—one that blends academic rigor with innovation, leadership, and real-world application.

Rooted in the belief that every student has the power to shape their own future, Dominus was created for learners who are ready to lead boldly, think creatively, and act with purpose. Here, education is not limited to theory; it’s a dynamic platform for building meaningful, lasting skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Through a flexible, hands-on, and collaborative learning environment, Dominus equips students with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, innovation-driven economy. With career-focused pathways, personalized mentorship, and opportunities for real-world problem solving, Dominus is redefining the high school experience to meet the needs of tomorrow’s leaders.

Empowering Students Through Ownership

The name Dominus, Latin for “owner” or “master,” is more than symbolic—it represents the school’s core mission to empower students to take ownership of their education and their future.

At Dominus, students are not passive participants in their learning. They are active, engaged, and encouraged to explore, question, and create. Through a curriculum that is both academically rigorous and intentionally entrepreneurial, students build self-direction, confidence, and leadership from day one.

All academic offerings are aligned with Pennsylvania’s Common Core Standards, ensuring that students meet and exceed the expectations for college and career readiness. Whether students choose to launch a business, pursue higher education, or enter the workforce, Dominus provides a strong foundation for success.

Grounded in Core Values

The academic and cultural framework at Dominus is supported by four universal values: Economics, Pleasure, Righteousness, and Liberation. These values are not only embedded into the curriculum but are reflected in the daily life and environment of the school.

Economics, symbolized by the universal currency icon, represents more than financial literacy. It speaks to sustainability, entrepreneurship, and understanding systems of value—whether monetary, societal, or personal.

Pleasure, illustrated by a joyful mask, emphasizes creativity, self-expression, and the joy of discovery. Dominus believes that learning should be engaging and fulfilling. When students are passionate about what they do, they perform at their best.

Righteousness, symbolized by the balanced legal scale, is a commitment to justice, integrity, and ethical decision-making. Students learn that leadership includes responsibility and that doing what is right often takes courage.

Liberation, represented by a free bird, speaks to autonomy, opportunity, and the power to choose one’s own path. Education at Dominus is a tool for freedom—freedom to think independently, to innovate fearlessly, and to create a life of purpose.

These values are not just ideals—they are practiced and modeled by faculty, staff, and students every day.

Entrepreneurial Pathways for Real-World Success

At the core of Dominus are its Entrepreneurial Pathways—specialized, career-focused learning tracks that allow students to explore industries through a combination of academics, project-based learning, mentorship, and hands-on experiences. Students choose one of four pathways to align with their interests and long-term goals.

Technology Entrepreneurship

This pathway is for students driven to innovate in the fast-paced world of technology. Through hands-on coursework in areas like coding, robotics, AI, and software development, students build a foundation in both technical and entrepreneurial skills. They collaborate with tech professionals and peers on real-world challenges and gain experience through project-based learning. The program culminates in a capstone where students pitch a startup or tech solution to a panel of industry leaders. With certification opportunities and mentorships, students graduate prepared to lead in the digital economy.

Healthcare Entrepreneurship

Designed for students with an interest in health sciences and wellness, this pathway explores anatomy, public health, medical ethics, and the business of healthcare. Students gain valuable experience through internships, community health projects, and research opportunities. They are encouraged to view healthcare through a problem-solving lens—identifying gaps and developing innovative solutions. From biotech and pharmaceuticals to healthcare consulting and wellness ventures, this pathway opens doors to multiple career paths within a critical industry.

Culinary Entrepreneurship

For students passionate about food, hospitality, and creativity, the Culinary Pathway blends the art of cooking with the science of business. Students learn culinary techniques, food safety, and hospitality management while developing skills in budgeting, marketing, and customer service. Through events like pop-up restaurants and catering projects, students gain real-world experience. The capstone project involves designing and pitching a culinary business—be it a food truck, wellness-focused menu, or full-service restaurant concept.

Education Entrepreneurship

This pathway prepares students to lead in classrooms, create educational content, or launch their own schools or childcare centers. Students study pedagogy, curriculum design, and leadership while integrating tools like educational technology and public speaking. Real-world experience includes tutoring, mentorship, and community projects. The program ends with a capstone that allows students to design a curriculum, build an educational startup idea, or propose a solution to a community-based educational challenge.

Learning That Extends Beyond the Classroom

What sets Dominus apart from traditional high schools is its commitment to real-world learning. Each student is paired with mentors and participates in projects that address real community needs. They gain certifications in their chosen fields, develop portfolios of professional-level work, and present their ideas to real audiences.

This immersive approach teaches not only academic knowledge but skills like leadership, collaboration, communication, and resilience. Students at Dominus leave with more than a transcript—they leave with experience, confidence, and a vision for what’s next.

Enrollment Now Open

Dominus High School is currently enrolling students entering 9th and 10th grade across Pennsylvania. With its highly personalized, forward-thinking approach, Dominus is attracting families who are seeking more than a traditional education. It’s ideal for students who want to build, create, solve, and lead.

Enrollment interest is strong, and space is limited. Families are encouraged to begin the application process early to secure their spot for the upcoming school year.To learn more or apply, visit www.dominushigh.org or call 412-793-6475.