Giving Thanks to Our 3,000 Students

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Giving Thanks to Our 3,000 Students!

It is already mid-November and the holiday season is quickly approaching! It has been such an amazing year for PALCS so far, and we would like to reflect on all of the reasons we have to be thankful.

Our latest breaking news is that PALCS, for the first time in its 15 year history, has over 3,000 students currently enrolled students state-wide. This milestone was reached just this week, and is our largest student body ever. We would like to offer a sincere thank you to our PALCS community! We would be nothing without all of our amazing, passionate, and unique students, their supportive and dedicated families. We are so proud and thankful to have an amazing community and body of students who are full of talent and potential to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Next we would like to thank our amazing and hardworking PALCS employees, who work tirelessly to serve our students, and families, to make sure we are always meeting their needs. Our PALCS faculty and staff, which includes the administration, as well as our instructional and non-instructional staff, all make our school and unique programs possible. From our state-certified, teacher-created curriculum, our flexibility, and our wide range of classes and levels, we truly have a one-of-a-kind, individualized program to meet the needs of students of all learning capabilities. We, the PALCS employees, are so proud to see our students succeed and grow, and we are glad to work alongside over 280 talented, caring individuals.

Last but certainly not least, we would like to say how thankful we are for public education and the freedom of school choice. Although it is still a relatively new subject for some, school choice has been a topic of conversation for longer than the entire lifespan of a student in our senior class! It is important for families to be aware that they do have choices when it comes to education. The parents of over 3,000 students this year, and thousands more since 2004, have chosen a state-approved pubic school that offers students an interactive and innovative curriculum taught by highly qualified and state certified teachers: PA Leadership Charter School. We are thankful for all the supporters of our school, from the members of the board, to the passionate individuals who fight for school choice every day. We are appreciative of the ability to offer a quality, public education to children in the state of Pennsylvania.

We are thankful to serve our PALCS families: those who need extra support and those who need the freedom to thrive. Together, we share the title of the #1 best online school in Pennsylvania and #9 best online school in America. On behalf of everyone here at PALCS, we would like to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! We are forever grateful for your continued support!

By PALCS Information Team|2024-07-24T08:47:19-04:00November 16th, 2018|Categories: School News, Latest News|Tags: Enrollment, Holiday|

About the Author: PALCS Information Team

The Information Team: This team manages the content on this blog, which provides interesting content related to our school and education at large. The information team also help prospective families on their journey to enrollment.

The PALCS Mascot is the Eagle and the school colors are blue and yellow.
All PALCS students receive a laptop computer with a webcam, headset microphone, and a printer/copier/scanner. The computer automatically downloads required programs and updates and is filtered for school use.
Parents can get involved by joining the monthly Parent Advisory Board. The board meets with the principal monthly to provide feedback and school improvement suggestions.
Students in our art classes receive an art kit with a variety of materials such as paint and clay. Painted or drawn pictures can be scanned into the computer via the provided printer/copier/scanner. Students can use their provided webcam to take a picture of sculptures and models.
PALCS faculty and staff participate and encourage students to get involved in various volunteer and community service projects throughout the year. The school participates in regular clothing drives, food drives, and fundraisers.
Our students are active in community sports, participate on local school district teams, and some even play at the semi-pro level!
PALCS students are initiated into the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society each year in a blended on-site/virtual ceremony.
PALCS supports students from day one with a face-to-face orientation. Families are then guided through an Introduction to Online Learning course as they settle into cyber school.
Attendance is tracked by logging in on school days, Monday – Friday.
PALCS has an in-house video production studio so teachers can make dynamic videos for their lessons.
PALCS focuses on weekly flexibility. Students can generally work one-to-two weeks ahead in their courses.
Our internal IT Help Desk is just a phone call away during business hours for technology assistance. We have trainings and tutorials available on-demand.
Students can read and contribute to PA Leadership’s award-winning online student newspaper, “The Talon”, which is edited by students in our Journalism course. PALCS Student Government also produces a newsletter, “The Observer”.
PALCS students can start exposure to a foreign language as young as Kindergarten!
According to state law, cyber school students may continue to participate in extra-curricular activities and sports through their local schools.
PALCS opened its digital doors on September 13, 2004. Over 2000 young adults have graduated from PALCS since the school opened.
Over 150 highly qualified teachers work at PALCS. Teachers work from one of our offices, in either West Chester or Pittsburgh.
PALCS has an award-winning Robotics team, placing in both the First Lego League and the First Tech Challenge.
The PALCS Network is an online social community and resource for PALCS families to connect with other parents and students. We have optional activities and field trips around the state to keep students engaged and active!
PALCS provides computer programs and websites to complete virtual labs for science courses.
PALCS graduates have attended schools ranging from small private colleges such as Grove City, Washington and Jefferson, Allegheny, Messiah and LaSalle; major state universities like Penn State, Pitt, Temple and Drexel; and Ivy League schools like Princeton, Harvard and Yale.
There are a 368 courses available at PALCS. 49 courses are offered to to elementary students, 43 to middle school, and 56 core courses and 101 electives to high school students. For middle and high school students, the University Scholars Program adds an additional 42 courses and the Center for Performing and Fine Arts adds 77.
Students have participated in the Hour of Code and have developed apps for Google Chrome and various code snippets. For creative gamers, PALCS hosts its own server for students to participate in Minecraft Club.
PALCS students perform better on standardized testing. In 2018, our students received an average SAT score of 1166 and an average ACT score of 26.1. State averages: 1073 for SAT and 23.7 for ACT.
Students who are struggling academically receive help from a PALCS Academic Advisor, who will assist students with organization and scheduling, will facilitate communication and will provide additional support.
Students occasionally choose to mail finished projects to their teachers: we proudly display student artwork in our offices and learning centers!
PALCS Center for Performing and Fine Arts students regularly participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District Orchestra Festival.
In addition to teachers, PALCS families have access to dedicated guidance counselors and dozens of student services support staff. Help is always just a call or click away!
The PALCS University Scholars Program has a Mock Trial team that has consistently performed well at both county and district levels.
PALCS uses a variety of materials from many different publishers: both physical and virtual textbooks, novels, workbooks and/or other types of supplemental content such as websites and educational programs.
PALCS offers Homework Help in the evenings. Students can receive live help from a PALCS teacher in the virtual classroom.
Talented PALCS students have performed on many stages and have been heard on the radio across the state. Students have even performed at prestigious Carnegie Hall and on Broadway in New York City.
Students do complete physical education in cyber school. Classes teach students the importance of incorporating a regular fitness routine into their daily lives and include many instructional videos.
In 2018, 93 students took 162 AP exams with an average score of 3.9. 87% of these students obtained a score of 3 or higher.
PALCS students can go on many educational, science-related field trips. We’ve gone to Physics Days at Hersheypark and Kennywood, SciTech Days at the Carnegie Science Center, the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Zoos and more!
PALCS offers the University Scholars Program for gifted and motivated learners. The blended on-site and virtual program offers honors and AP courses to accepted students, though any PALCS student may take up to two AP courses through University Scholars.
Students enrolled in PALCS participate in their communities and pursue fantastic interests. We have published novelists, junior firefighters, app developers, notable athletes, and performers of both stage and screen.
After high school, 79% of the PALCS Class of 2018 chose to further their education with post-secondary school. 18% entered directly into the work force, and 2% entered the military.
The PALCS University Scholars Program hosts two National Academic Quiz Tournament teams that compete and perform well at the national tournament level. A PALCS student was named to the 2016 Pennsylvania National All-Star Scholastic Tournament team.
PALCS graduates have gone on to a range of careers, including becoming teachers, medical professionals, engineers, performing artists, athletes, and officers in the military.
Students receive classroom materials on a year-to-year basis, but keep their school computer as long as they are enrolled in the school.
Students can reach out to their teachers at any time through many outlets: phone, email, instant message, or chat.
PALCS has an active Student Government. Students can run for office and participate in committees that spearhead projects, events and fundraisers. Student Government also builds leadership skills and offers unique retreats and field trips.
Students have the opportunity to travel internationally, often for elective credit. Previous travel opportunities have included Costa Rica, Canada, China and Panama.
Students get personalized feedback on assignments.
PALCS offers a Tier 1 public school diploma that is recognized as equal to a traditional brick-and-mortar school by the PA Department of Education and all post-secondary schools. Graduates have the same opportunities as other high school graduates, if not better, as cyber school students can focus on education and learn important self-motivation skills.
The guidance department at PALCS offers access to Career Cruising, a website that helps students explore career possibilities.
PALCS has a yearly commencement in Lancaster for all graduates and families who wish to attend.
After orientation, the only required travel for students is to complete state-mandated PSSA or Keystone testing, depending on grade level. PALCS has numerous testing facilities throughout the state, making it as convenient as possible for students to attend. PALCS teachers proctor the test so students can meet teachers and other students in their area.
While equipment is provided, PALCS families can access school from any device with an Internet connection.

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Giving Thanks to Our 3,000 Students!

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About the Author: PALCS Information Team

The PALCS Mascot is the Eagle and the school colors are blue and yellow.

All PALCS students receive a laptop computer with a webcam, headset microphone, and a printer/copier/scanner. The computer automatically downloads required programs and updates and is filtered for school use.

Parents can get involved by joining the monthly Parent Advisory Board. The board meets with the principal monthly to provide feedback and school improvement suggestions.

Students in our art classes receive an art kit with a variety of materials such as paint and clay. Painted or drawn pictures can be scanned into the computer via the provided printer/copier/scanner. Students can use their provided webcam to take a picture of sculptures and models.

PALCS faculty and staff participate and encourage students to get involved in various volunteer and community service projects throughout the year. The school participates in regular clothing drives, food drives, and fundraisers.

Our students are active in community sports, participate on local school district teams, and some even play at the semi-pro level!

PALCS students are initiated into the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society each year in a blended on-site/virtual ceremony.

PALCS supports students from day one with a face-to-face orientation. Families are then guided through an Introduction to Online Learning course as they settle into cyber school.

Attendance is tracked by logging in on school days, Monday – Friday.

PALCS has an in-house video production studio so teachers can make dynamic videos for their lessons.

PALCS focuses on weekly flexibility. Students can generally work one-to-two weeks ahead in their courses.

Our internal IT Help Desk is just a phone call away during business hours for technology assistance. We have trainings and tutorials available on-demand.

Students can read and contribute to PA Leadership’s award-winning online student newspaper, “The Talon”, which is edited by students in our Journalism course. PALCS Student Government also produces a newsletter, “The Observer”.

PALCS students can start exposure to a foreign language as young as Kindergarten!

According to state law, cyber school students may continue to participate in extra-curricular activities and sports through their local schools.

PALCS opened its digital doors on September 13, 2004. Over 2000 young adults have graduated from PALCS since the school opened.

Over 150 highly qualified teachers work at PALCS. Teachers work from one of our offices, in either West Chester or Pittsburgh.

PALCS has an award-winning Robotics team, placing in both the First Lego League and the First Tech Challenge.

The PALCS Network is an online social community and resource for PALCS families to connect with other parents and students. We have optional activities and field trips around the state to keep students engaged and active!

PALCS provides computer programs and websites to complete virtual labs for science courses.

PALCS graduates have attended schools ranging from small private colleges such as Grove City, Washington and Jefferson, Allegheny, Messiah and LaSalle; major state universities like Penn State, Pitt, Temple and Drexel; and Ivy League schools like Princeton, Harvard and Yale.

Students have participated in the Hour of Code and have developed apps for Google Chrome and various code snippets. For creative gamers, PALCS hosts its own server for students to participate in Minecraft Club.

PALCS students perform better on standardized testing. In 2018, our students received an average SAT score of 1166 and an average ACT score of 26.1. State averages: 1073 for SAT and 23.7 for ACT.

Students who are struggling academically receive help from a PALCS Academic Advisor, who will assist students with organization and scheduling, will facilitate communication and will provide additional support.

Students occasionally choose to mail finished projects to their teachers: we proudly display student artwork in our offices and learning centers!

PALCS Center for Performing and Fine Arts students regularly participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District Orchestra Festival.

In addition to teachers, PALCS families have access to dedicated guidance counselors and dozens of student services support staff. Help is always just a call or click away!

The PALCS University Scholars Program has a Mock Trial team that has consistently performed well at both county and district levels.

PALCS uses a variety of materials from many different publishers: both physical and virtual textbooks, novels, workbooks and/or other types of supplemental content such as websites and educational programs.

PALCS offers Homework Help in the evenings. Students can receive live help from a PALCS teacher in the virtual classroom.

Talented PALCS students have performed on many stages and have been heard on the radio across the state. Students have even performed at prestigious Carnegie Hall and on Broadway in New York City.

Students do complete physical education in cyber school. Classes teach students the importance of incorporating a regular fitness routine into their daily lives and include many instructional videos.

In 2018, 93 students took 162 AP exams with an average score of 3.9. 87% of these students obtained a score of 3 or higher.

PALCS students can go on many educational, science-related field trips. We’ve gone to Physics Days at Hersheypark and Kennywood, SciTech Days at the Carnegie Science Center, the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Zoos and more!

PALCS offers the University Scholars Program for gifted and motivated learners. The blended on-site and virtual program offers honors and AP courses to accepted students, though any PALCS student may take up to two AP courses through University Scholars.

Students enrolled in PALCS participate in their communities and pursue fantastic interests. We have published novelists, junior firefighters, app developers, notable athletes, and performers of both stage and screen.

After high school, 79% of the PALCS Class of 2018 chose to further their education with post-secondary school. 18% entered directly into the work force, and 2% entered the military.

The PALCS University Scholars Program hosts two National Academic Quiz Tournament teams that compete and perform well at the national tournament level. A PALCS student was named to the 2016 Pennsylvania National All-Star Scholastic Tournament team.

PALCS graduates have gone on to a range of careers, including becoming teachers, medical professionals, engineers, performing artists, athletes, and officers in the military.

Students receive classroom materials on a year-to-year basis, but keep their school computer as long as they are enrolled in the school.

Students can reach out to their teachers at any time through many outlets: phone, email, instant message, or chat.

PALCS has an active Student Government. Students can run for office and participate in committees that spearhead projects, events and fundraisers. Student Government also builds leadership skills and offers unique retreats and field trips.

Students have the opportunity to travel internationally, often for elective credit. Previous travel opportunities have included Costa Rica, Canada, China and Panama.

Students get personalized feedback on assignments.

The guidance department at PALCS offers access to Career Cruising, a website that helps students explore career possibilities.

PALCS has a yearly commencement in Lancaster for all graduates and families who wish to attend.

While equipment is provided, PALCS families can access school from any device with an Internet connection.

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