University Park Elementary School in Monroeville, Pennsylvania on DonorsChoose

{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"University Park Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":10.7,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":6661510,"projectId":9895532,"letterContent":"The introduction of the Gator Grounds: A Sip of Inclusion Coffee Cart has had a meaningful and lasting impact on students in the autistic support program. From the moment they were introduced to the materials, students showed genuine excitement and enthusiasm for this new opportunity. Many of them already enjoy helping in the classroom and engaging with others, and the coffee cart has given that desire a clear sense of purpose. It has allowed them to take the academic and social skills they practice daily and apply them in a real-world setting. As a result, students have demonstrated tremendous growth over the past few months, building confidence and independence while consistently exceeding expectations.\r\nBeyond skill development, the coffee cart has also strengthened students' sense of belonging within the school community. They have taken pride in serving peers, staff, and families, especially during events like Open House and Staff Appreciation Week in collaboration with the PTO. These experiences have expanded their social interactions in meaningful ways and reinforced their role as active contributors to the school environment. The project continues to evolve as students help introduce new drinks and snacks, and they are especially excited about the next step: establishing a permanent counter in the main office to offer a storefront-style service.\r\nThe success of the coffee cart has extended far beyond the cart itself. Proceeds have ensured that every student in the program will receive a yearbook this year, fostering inclusion in a cherished school tradition. Funds have also supported the purchase of sensory materials, including the creation of a new calming corner in the classroom and the installation of a new sensory wall. These enhancements not only support student learning and regulation but also reflect the broader impact of the project, creating a more inclusive, supportive, and engaging environment for all.","fullyFundedDate":1765746756543,"projectUrl":"project/practicing-life-skills-with-a-coffee-car/9895532/","projectTitle":"Practicing Life Skills with a Coffee Cart","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Hilliard","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-6_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/6661510"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_88580","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":328,"numTeachers":24,"percentFrplEligible":69,"percentAsian":8,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":50,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":10,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Pre-K - 4","studentTeacherRatio":"13.7:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"SUBURBAN","ncesMetroType":"SUBURB_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":89.3,"schoolId":88580,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about University Park Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"University Park Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/pennsylvania/gateway-school-district/university-park-elementary-school/88580"}

About this school

University Park Elementary School is a suburban public school in Monroeville, Pennsylvania that is part of Gateway School District. It serves 328 students in grades Pre-K - 4 with a student/teacher ratio of 13.7:1. Its teachers have had 4 projects funded on DonorsChoose.

Equity Focus School

Support towards this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Public School

Title 1

Grades Pre-K - 4

328 Students

24 Teachers

320 Noel Dr

Monroeville, PA 15146 View local requests

http://www.gatewayk12.org

Direct, proactive support

Empower teachers at University Park Elementary School to request what their students need.

Give to this school

Ms. Vero, a DonorsChoose teacher for 9 years.

Kindergarten teacher at PS81 - Robert J. Christen School in Bronx, NY

University Park Elementary School Teachers on DonorsChoose

Ms. Hilliard

Mrs. Lentz

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.

Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.

See how DonorsChoose works

University Park Elementary School Demographics

69%

of students receive free or reduced price lunch

Source: the National Center for Education Statistics

34%

of students are Black, Latino, Native American, or Asian

Schools in districts that mainly serve students of color receive substantially less state and local support than similar districts that serve primarily White students. Learn more about this gap, why it exists, and how you can help close it.

University Park Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose Last updated Apr 30, 2026

DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.