At Dominus High School, we believe preparing students for the future means going beyond the traditional core curriculum. It means cultivating innovators, bold problem-solvers, and visionary leaders. As Pittsburgh’s first entrepreneurial charter high school, Dominus is redefining the high school experience, one that equips students with the mindset and skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Our curriculum, with a strong academic foundation, will empower students with entrepreneurial skills, creative thinking, and real-world problem-solving opportunities, preparing them to become innovators. We’re preparing them to own their future, shape their path, and lead with purpose.
But what does this look like in practice? And how is Dominus different from a traditional high school model?
A School Built for Student Ownership
At Dominus High School, students don’t just follow a path, they help shape it. From day one, we will guide each student in discovering their strengths, setting meaningful goals, and building a future that fits their unique ambitions, whether that means launching a business, pursuing college, or stepping directly into a career.
Ownership at Dominus means students are empowered to take an active role in their learning journey. Through hands-on decision-making, they will not just learn about success; they will be living it.
What Is a Charter School?
Dominus is a charter school, which means we’re publicly funded and tuition-free, just like other local public schools. However, we operate independently, giving us the freedom to build a model that serves today’s learners. We are building a school environment that will be responsive to student needs, powered by innovation, and grounded in real-world relevance.
We prioritize project-based learning, hands-on experience, and mentorship so that students don’t just learn about the world, they engage with it, in real time.
More Than Academics: Entrepreneurial Pathways
Why choose between academics and career prep when students can have both?
At Dominus, students will explore Entrepreneurial Pathways: industry-based learning tracks that combine academic knowledge with career exploration, technical training, and hands-on projects.
Our pathways include:
- Technology Entrepreneurship
Students will learn coding, robotics, and software development while building real solutions in tech. - Healthcare Entrepreneurship
From anatomy to public health, students explore the science of medicine and design wellness initiatives that make an impact. - Culinary Entrepreneurship
Whether crafting gourmet dishes or managing hospitality events, students combine creativity and business savvy in the food industry. - Education Entrepreneurship
For future educators, changemakers, or curriculum designers, this pathway explores teaching, learning technology, and leadership.
Each pathway will help students build technical knowledge, entrepreneurial mindset, and leadership skills within industries that matter.
Learning That Extends Beyond the Classroom
At Dominus High School, education will inspire action, not just understanding. Learning won’t be confined to the classroom, it will extend into real-world experiences that ignite passion and purpose. Students won’t simply study concepts; they’ll apply them in innovative, practical ways.
From coding technology solutions and managing pop-up culinary events to developing health initiatives and designing educational tools, every project at Dominus will be rooted in real-world application. These won’t be hypothetical exercises, they’ll be meaningful, outcome-driven experiences designed to challenge students to think critically and creatively.
Students will gain more than academic knowledge. They’ll develop essential life skills: resilience, collaboration, communication, and time management, equipping them not just for exams, but for future challenges and opportunities.
Mentorship That Supports Growth
One of the most powerful parts of our model is mentorship. Every student will be connected with professionals in their pathway, and they will receive guidance, feedback, and encouragement from people who’ve walked their path before them.
We believe success doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in the community, with adults who believe in our students, challenge them to think bigger, and help them envision what’s possible.
Grounded in Values, Driven by Purpose
Our school culture will be just as intentional as our academic model. At Dominus, everything we do will be shaped by four core values:
- Pleasure – Finding joy in learning, discovery, and creative expression
- Economics – Understanding the systems that create value, from finances to sustainability.
- Righteousness – Acting with integrity, fairness, and courage
- Liberation – Empowering students with the freedom to shape their futures
These values are lived, not just listed. They will show up in how we teach, how we support students, and how we celebrate each other’s growth.
Yes, We’re Also College and Career-Ready
We often hear this question from families: Will my child still be academically prepared?
The answer is a confident yes!
All courses at Dominus are aligned with Pennsylvania’s Common Core Standards, ensuring our students meet and often exceed college readiness benchmarks. But we don’t stop there.
We take those academic foundations and weave in entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and creativity. Students leave with portfolios, certifications, and experience that give them an edge, whether they’re applying to college, starting a business, or joining the workforce.
A Place Where Students Belong
At its core, Dominus will be more than a school, it will be a community.We recognize that no two students are alike. That’s why we plan to celebrate individuality, encourage exploration, and help every student discover what makes them unique. Whether they’re creatives, builders, thinkers, or future changemakers, our students will be seen, supported, and inspired to pursue their passions boldly.
We don’t expect students to fit into a mold. We encourage them to build their own path and walk it with confidence.
Now Enrolling for 2025–2026
If you’re looking for a high school that goes beyond textbooks…
If your child is ready to think differently, explore deeply, and create fearlessly…
If you want a school that helps students lead their future instead of waiting for it…
Dominus is that school.
Your student’s future starts here—and we can’t wait to build it with you.Enrollment is now open for 9th and 10th grade
Deadline to apply: September 30, 2025
Apply today at enrolldominus.org/enrollment
Call us at 412-793-6475 or visit dominushigh.org