Pittsburgh Public Schools will move to remote learning from April 22 to April 24 in 2026. This change helps the city manage the massive crowds expected for the 2026 NFL Draft. Officials expect between 500,000 and 700,000 visitors to fill downtown.
The districtdecided on asynchronous learning to avoid traffic and safety issues. Students will work from home using digital tools. They must log in to Schoology between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to remain marked as present. Most school buildings will stay closed during these 3 days.
Superintendent Wayne Walterssaid the move was necessary for the city. He stated that the plan “prioritizes student learning while also being mindful of the extraordinary circumstances that hosting such a large-scale event will bring to our region.”
The draft events will happen at Point State Park and the North Shore. These locations are very close to many school bus routes. Large crowds and road closures would make normal school days very difficult. District staff will also work from home during this time.
2026 NFL Draft
January 7, 2026; The 2026 NFL Draft logo is displayed atop the NFL Draft countdown clock.
The 2026 PSSA testing schedule has changed because of the draft. Students in grades 3 through 8 will take Math tests on April 20 and April 21. They will finish the Science and English tests after the draft ends. The new dates for those tests start on April 28.
Only 2 schools will keep a live schedule. Pittsburgh Pioneer and Conroy Education Centers will use synchronous virtual classes. All other students must follow the independent learning plan. This setup ensures that education continues while the city hosts its biggest event of the year. The NFL Draft officially runs from April 23 to April 25 in 2026.
Fernando Mendoza and Jeremiyah Love headline 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh
The 2026 NFL Draft starts on April 23 in Pittsburgh. This is the first time the city has hosted the event since 1948. The main stage will be near Acrisure Stadium. Fans can also visit Point State Park for a free festival.
The Las Vegas Raiders have the 1st pick. Many experts believe they will select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. He won the Heisman Trophy. Mendoza is the top player on many boards.
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Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is another major star. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds. This speed makes him a top prospect. Ohio State also has elite talent with linebacker Arvell Reese and safety Caleb Downs.
Teams now have less time to pick in the first round. The NFL changed the limit to 8 minutes. The New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals follow the Raiders in the top 3. Fans can watch the 3-day event on ESPN and ABC.