Perry Traditional Academy

Feeder district

The City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods which are served by Perry Traditional Academy High School are as follows: Allegheny Center, Allegheny West, Brighton Heights, California-Kirkbride, Central Northside, Chateau, East Allegheny, Fineview, Manchester, Marshall-Shadeland, North Shore, Northview Heights, Perry South, Spring Hill-City View, Spring Garden, Summer Hill and Troy Hill.

Statistics

According to the Pittsburgh Public Schools website, Perry's racial makeup is: 66.07% African American, and 29.79% European American, with the rest of the students being of other minority groups. The school's nickname is the Commodores and is named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry A mural depicting The Commodore faces the school on the old Rich Bedding Building. It was commissioned by business owner Bill Schmidt, painted by The MLK Project and designed by Perry Alumni Bill Gandy (85) & Kimberley Robinson-Gandy (86).

Academics

Perry consists of grades 9-12. The school has 3 academic sections: CAS, PSP, and mainstream.

CAS

The Centers for Advanced Studies (CAS) Program: A CAS program for gifted students is provided at each of the Pittsburgh Public high schools. The CAS programs provide individualization, full-time curricula, research-based instruction, acceleration, critical thinking, enrichment, independent study, and teacher mentors.

In addition, field trips are organized by a CAS facilitator in each school and a carefully planned Gifted Individualised Education Program (GIEP) is implemented for each student. Students are scheduled into specific CAS classes based on their present levels of educational performance and the need for specifically designed instruction.

The school district authorises a CAS seal on student diplomas for all students who have successfully completed a minimum of eight CAS classes and three Long Term Projects while enrolled in grades 9 through 12.

PSP

PSP stands for Pittsburgh Scholars Program. The students must be recommended by middle schools in order to be allowed in PSP classes. In order to stay in the PSP classes, students must maintain a C average in PSP classes.

Standardized tests

Perry participates in many mandatory standardized tests, the most important of which is the PSSA, the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment. It is given annually to juniors.

In 2007, Perry had 45% proficient or advanced in reading, 74% in writing, and 44% in math.
Results by subdivisions:
Percentages are percent of group who scored above the proficient level
Reading
Female:51%
Male:39%
Black:38%
White:54%
All Students:45%
Writing
Female:79%
Male:68%
Black: 75%
White:74%
All Students:74%
Math
Female:45%
Male:44%
Black: 35%
White:54%
All Students:44%

In 2009, Perry had 39% proficient or advanced in reading, 9% in science, 66% in writing, and 34% in math.
Results by subdivisions:
Percentages are percent of group who scored above the proficient level
Reading
Female:39%
Male:39%
Black:25%
White:63%
All Students:39%
Science
Female:8%
Male:12%
Black:2%
White:22%
All Students:9%
Writing
Female:68%
Male:64%
Black: 64%
White:74%
All Students:66%
Math
Female:37%
Male:32%
Black: 27%
White:47%
All Students:34%

Alma mater

Our Perry High Dear Alma Mater Thou
Keep Watchful Eye Atop The Summit's Brow
Thou Shalt To Us A Firm Foundation Be
Guide, Counsel'r, Friend Throughout Eternity
And As The Years Go Swiftly Gliding By
Still Thou Shalt to Be Our Own Dear Perry High
Chorus:
All Hail To Perry, We'll Honor And Praise Thee'
To Alma Mater We'll Ever Be True
All Hail To Perry, We'll Honor And Praise Thee'
We'll Love Forever The White And Blue

Athletics

Men's Athletic Director: Mr. Mark Ward
Women's Athletic Director: Ms. Dana Knapp

Fall sports

Men: Cross Country, Soccer, Football
Women: Cross Country, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball

Winter sports

Men: Basketball, Swimming, Wrestling
Women: Basketball, Swimming

Spring sports

Men: Track and Field, Volleyball, Baseball, Tennis
Women: Track and Field, Softball
Robert Zadrowski (ZAD) All State, Pole Vaulting,Class of 1969
Premier Student of all time to make All City and All State
Two concurinng Years 1968-1969 to date 2013

Marching Band and Dance/Drill Team

The marching band is one of Perry's finest groups. The change began in the 1984/85 with band Major Bill Gandy and Co-Major Mark Briggs. With the blessing of director Mr. Charles Sperry, they converted the band from Traditional to Black College style. In August, the band attends Band Camp at California University of Pennsylvania for one week. They attend each football game for the Commodores and perform a half-time show. In 2007, the band participated in the Inner-City Battle of the Bands. They placed second, a 12 points behind Carrick High School.
The band is directed by Mr. Richard Lane. The dance and drill teams are under the direction of Mrs. Thornhill.

Clubs

Perry has many clubs, both academic and social.

Academic clubs

Think-a-Thon: The Think-a-Thon takes place once a year in March at John A. Brashear High School. The nine city schools, as well as many middle and high schools come together to compete in three categories: a prepared art project, a prepared play, and multiple team activities.
Math League: The Math League is a team that meets every other month and completes a math worksheet. Their top average scores are evaluated against other high schools in Allegheny County. In 2006, Perry placed first in Allgheny County.
National Honor Society: The National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are the nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding high school and middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NHS and NJHS serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character (and Citizenship for NJHS). These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since their beginnings in 1921 and 1929.

Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NHS and NJHS. NHS and NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Territories, and Canada. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

Students are selected for NHS during their junior years by the faculty. A president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary are voted on by members of NHS at the second meeting of their junior year.
Other academic clubs include: Student Council and NSBE.

Notable alumni