Friendship Academy operates an approved private elementary, middle, and high school program for students ages 5-21 that can include mental health services for students who may need them. Friendship Academy is licensed by the PA Departments of Education and Welfare. Recognized as experts in the area of special education and mental health, Friendship Academy staff also provide training and consulting services to area agencies and school districts. In addition, Friendship Academy is a training site for university programs in special education, social work, psychology, counseling, pediatrics, and nursing.
The safety and well-being of our staff and students are of the utmost importance. Learn about the tools and resources the Watson Institute uses to keep our students and staff safe.
Special Education School Program
Friendship Academy serves as an educational placement option for students ages 5 to 21 with serious emotional and behavioral challenges. Our students receive highly specialized instructional services with a maximum of 1:4 staff-to-student ratio, assuring each child the tailored attention needed to reduce frustration and foster success. We emphasize research-based, standards-driven reading, writing, and math instruction that encourages children to see themselves as capable and creative. In addition to academic skills, our program includes opportunities for artistic success through art and music therapies.
School-Based Partial Hospitalization Program
Friendship Academy offers students a school-based partial hospitalization program that provides intensive psychiatric treatment during the day to children and adolescents. The mental health support and treatments provided by the partial hospitalization program emphasize a skill-based approach, including emotional management and problem-solving. Students are also taught cognitive behavior therapy skills to improve their perception of self, situations, and critical events.
School-Based Outpatient Behavioral Health Services
Friendship Academy also offers school-based outpatient behavioral and mental health services to students in the program. Outpatient therapy provides mental health services for children and adolescents with less intense behavioral health needs. Outpatient therapy may be a good fit for those preparing to return to public school or move toward independence. Services might include any combination of individual, family, group, and medication management. The clinical team will help determine the best level of care for a child.
For more information or to refer a student to Friendship Academy, contact Jessica Snow, M.Ed., Educational Liaison.
412-365-3833 or [email protected]
Friendship Academy Referral Form
Additional Resources:
Friendship Academy Student-Parent Handbook
2024-2025 Friendship Academy School Calendar
School Nurse Forms:
Home Medication Administration
Daily Student Screening Checklist
Guidelines for Student Illnesses
School Immunization Regulations
The Watson Institute’s
Friendship Academy
255 S. Negley Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-365-3800