The Episcopal School of Pittsburgh Names Rev. Charles L. Fischer III Founding Head of School (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

The Episcopal School of Pittsburgh has named the Rev. Charles L. Fischer III its founding head of school. Fischer will lead the development of Pittsburgh’s newest tuition-free Episcopal elementary school as it prepares to welcome its first students in fall 2027.

The school will open with an inaugural kindergarten class at the Church of the Holy Cross in Pittsburgh’s Homewood community and add one grade each year. It is being established to provide children with a high-quality, holistic education while partnering closely with families to help every student flourish academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Fischer has played a central role in the school’s development from its earliest planning stages. He has helped shape its mission, listen to families, build relationships with community partners, and lay the foundation for a school rooted in dignity, belonging, joyful learning, and enduring support for children and their families.

“Charles has been a driving force in bringing this vision into its next phase,” said Eileen Sharbaugh, chair of the Episcopal Education Exploratory Committee, which led the early planning that resulted in the creation of The Episcopal School of Pittsburgh. “His combination of pastoral leadership, community engagement, advancement experience, and commitment to children and families makes him the right person to guide the school through its formative years. He understands that a great school is built on relationships, and he has already earned the trust of families, community partners, and supporters throughout Pittsburgh. We are excited to have him lead us as we turn a shared vision into a school community where every child is known, valued, and given the opportunity to flourish.”

Fischer comes to the role following nearly seven years at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He joined the seminary in November 2019 as vice president for Seminary advancement and became chief advancement officer in January 2026. During his tenure, he cultivated relationships with alumni, congregations, donors, and community partners and helped secure philanthropic support for the seminary’s mission and long-term sustainability.

“I believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover their gifts in a community where they are deeply known, loved, and encouraged,” Fischer said. “The Episcopal School of Pittsburgh will be a place where academic excellence and joyful learning are paired with compassion, faith, and meaningful relationships. We are building more than a school. We are creating a community where children and families can flourish together.”

Source: Read the original report