School Age Programs

Primary Program

Our Primary Program department consists of preschool- and kindergarten-aged children, welcoming students as early as three years old. We are housed on campus in the Janet Simon Building, specifically designed in 2003 to meet the needs of our youngest learners.

The curriculum in the Primary Program focuses on a series of stepping stones helping to foster school readiness while promoting increased independence and socialization skills. Our unique, nurturing program offers creative and individualized educational programming for all students.

Recognizing that each child has their own path to educational success, most of our enrolled students advance into the Middle Program at WPSBC. We also provide support to students and families who may transition into other community schools. Regardless of the transition, families can be confident that the Primary Program supports every student along their journey toward a lifetime of learning.

Children in the Primary Program form unique peer connections through our blended childcare program. Children attending A Child's VIEW (Vision in Extraordinary Ways) — our on-site, inclusive childcare program — are partnered with students in the preschool program for specifically designed lessons as well as extracurricular special events. These opportunities offer mutually beneficial experiences where children can learn from one another. Peers especially enjoy learning together in our one-of-a-kind Children’s Garden, which is an outdoor classroom created to accommodate active learning and exploration. A tactile maze, song bench, fragrance plot and other unique features allow children to learn and play in a natural, safe environment. We are proud to offer unique and specialized opportunities that are fully inclusive while honoring the diverse and unique needs of each child.

Meet the Principal

My name is Ashley Popojas, and it is an absolute honor to serve as Education Director of the Primary Program at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children. I began my journey at WPSBC in 2012 as a teacher in A Child’s View and have since had the privilege of serving as a classroom teacher, Outreach Teacher, and Outreach Coordinator. Each of these roles has strengthened my commitment to supporting children with visual impairments and their families. I am continually inspired by the joy, curiosity, and determination of our students and feel grateful each day to be part of their educational journey. I hold a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Carlow University and certificates in Teaching Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) and Orientation and Mobility (O&M) from the University of Pittsburgh.

Ashley Popojas

Please reach out to me directly with any questions, or concerns or for more information on our Program here at WPSBC at 412-621-0100 ext. 1272 or email: [email protected]

Middle Program

Students in the Middle Program fall between the ages of 6 and 13, which are crucial years for our students as they move between their primary years and prepare for the transitional stages ahead.

The Middle Program curriculum focuses on increasing independence, enhancing social interaction and enjoying recreation and leisure activities. Teachers thoughtfully encourage students to participate in activities based on their individual abilities and interests, while simultaneously building on their skill repertoire. Middle Program students work on skills related to development in areas such as socialization, communication, mobility and self-care. Focusing on helping students become more community-minded, academic concepts are embedded into both typical instruction settings as well as through the introduction of on- and off-campus opportunities. Students learn to utilize their functional vision to gain pivotal knowledge about themselves and their environment.

Each year, students in our program look forward to the annual collaboration with our Oakland neighbors at the Falk Laboratory School. In a year-long buddy program, WPSBC and Falk come together for a series of projects and events. This mutually beneficial collaboration provides new perspectives and a greater sense of belonging in our Oakland community.

For more information regarding the Middle Program, please contact Holly Russell, [email protected] or call (412) 621-0100 ext. 1280.

Secondary Program

The Secondary Program is comprised of students ages 12 to 21 and offers a tailored education program that prepares students for a successful transition to adulthood.

In the Secondary Program, students receive instruction in the core subject areas, as well as the content areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum for students with visual impairment. Programming concentrates on independent living skills, career education, self-advocacy, vocational skills, and community-based instruction. Our unique transition planning for students incorporates an Interdisciplinary Transition Team model and is developed with students, families, and team members who problem-solve obstacles together, leading to positive results for post-secondary transition.

Students in the Secondary Program are also given the opportunity to participate in several on-campus jobs through our Vocational and Career Education Program, promoting independence and self-determination. Jobs throughout campus focus on concepts such as communication, job-readiness, managing a schedule, transitioning to different locations, and problem-solving skills. Instructional locations throughout the school provide students with opportunities to develop new and meaningful vocational skills including Paw Prints, our school retail, print and copy Shop; the Greenhouse on the Hill Pop-Up Shop, including our Floral Design Program; and the full-scale on-campus apartment featuring a living room, kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, dining area, and two bedrooms. These opportunities, and many more, prepare our students for great success in the following stages of their lives.

Meet the Principal

My name is Ryan Reagan and it is an honor to serve as the Secondary Program Principal. I began my career at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children in 2012. I am proud to have grown my career over the years, serving in several roles in the field of visual impairment before becoming Principal. I received my Bachelor of Science in Education at the California University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Education degree from the University of Pittsburgh. I also hold certifications in Elementary Education K-6, Teacher of the Visually Impaired PK-12, and Supervisor of Special Education PK-12.

Please feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions or for more information about our program at 412-621-0100 ext. 1407 or [email protected].