It is located in the east hills of Allegheny County, and serves the City of Duquesne, a former mill town on the banks of the Monongahela River.

[3] The Pennsylvania Department of Education reports that 88.5%[4] of the student population are economically disadvantaged.

Historically, 100%[5] of pupils receive federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty.

[6] The district operates one school, the Duquesne Education Center, which serves students in Pre-Kindergarten through seventh grade.

This recovery plan was initiated as a response to low standardized test scores and a lack of extra-curricular activities and sports programs within Duquesne City School District.