Albert Gallatin Area School District

The Albert Gallatin Area School District was established through multiple consolidations. In 1958, Masontown and Point Marion High Schools merged, followed by the consolidation of Fairchance and Georges High Schools, forming Fairchance-Georges. In 1966, these schools joined German Township under a state plan, creating the Albert Gallatin Area School District with three high schools.

In 1987, the district unified into a single high school, Tri-Valley, using the old Fairchance-Georges building. The former high schools became junior highs: Albert Gallatin Junior High South and Albert Gallatin Junior High North.

In 1993, the high school was renamed Albert Gallatin High School, and subsequent renovations converted the junior highs into middle schools and upgraded the elementary schools, establishing the current structure of the district.

A recent visit to the Albert Gallatin Area School District provided an opportunity to explore three of those eight campuses.

The day began at Albert Gallatin Senior High School, which features impressive security measures, including metal detectors and a touch-screen system that scans your face and driver's license to check visitors in and out. This system generates a visitor badge to be worn throughout the visit, ensuring a safe and secure environment for everyone. All eight of AG’s schools are equipped with this system. Upon entering the school, visitors are immediately drawn to the Wall of Honor in the lobby—a beautiful tribute featuring photographs of Albert Gallatin alumni who have gone on to serve their country. The hallways and ceilings are adorned with vibrant student artwork and murals, adding color and energy to the space.

One standout feature was the Esports classroom, an exciting project currently under development. The room is already equipped with impressive tech and gaming setups, but big changes are on the horizon thanks to a partnership with the Brownsville Portals Project and TEC (The Esport Company). Plans include upgrading the equipment, enhancing the room’s interior design, and potentially adding soundproofing to optimize the space for Esports competitions and practices. The Esports program is now part of the curriculum and no longer just an extracurricular activity.

The high school's Arts and Technology Education Departments also stood out, showcasing impressive student work and a wide array of equipment, including vinyl cutters, t-shirt presses, and laser cutters. The time and attention to detail that students invest in creating everyday items like banners, t-shirts, and even pencil holders were evident. A unique space that once served as part of the gymnasium now functions as a computer lab and presentation room. Although somewhat outdated, the room’s size alone was impressive. Plans are in place to further transform it into a multimedia center, maximizing its utility for student learning and projects.

Albert Gallatin South Middle School featured a Matt’s Makerspace—a creative sensory area funded by EQT with support from the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. It’s a space where students can decompress, refocus, and explore their creative sides. The Middle School’s technology education program was equally impressive, boasting t-shirt presses, 3D printers, laser cutters, and even drones! The library has also been partially converted into a recreational area, complete with foosball and pool tables, where students can unwind as a reward for positive behavior.

George J. Plava Elementary School is one of the district’s five elementary schools. Before stepping inside, visitors may notice some recent landscaping work next to the parking lot. This area is the final resting place of William McClelland (1733–1815), the founder of McClellandtown, where the school is located. McClelland served in the PA Militia as a private in Captain Wood's company, 1st battalion, in Cumberland County during the Revolutionary War. This historical gravesite is being restored and will soon become an educational space where visitors can learn about McClelland and the history of the area.

Inside the school, students were buzzing with excitement. It’s hard not to be, with activities like live broadcasting of the morning announcements and participating in “Plava Pride,” a house system reminiscent of a certain wizarding school where students are sorted into houses and earn points for positive behavior. The Makerspace at Plava Elementary was alive with creativity as a group of kindergarteners engaged in hands-on projects, demonstrating that this is a space filled with imagination, hard work, and fun.

The Albert Gallatin Area School District is thriving. With innovative programs already in place and plans for continued improvement, the district fosters an environment where students are engaged, learning, and enjoying their educational experiences. Behind it all is a legacy rooted in rich Pennsylvania history, proudly carrying forward the name and spirit of Albert Gallatin.