Educational Trips: Past and Future: Best Online School in PA

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Educational Trips: Past and Future

Featured image, above: Snorkeling on the USP Key Largo trip

2017 has been quite a year for PA Leadership’s University Scholars Program, with students in grades 6-12 accomplishing so much both academically and personally. We recently took some time to reflect on what an amazing year it has been for our honors college-preparatory program, which offers a specialized accelerated curriculum, by either attending the on-site/online blended program in West Chester or participating in the completely virtual program for statewide students. Over the next few weeks, we will be publishing posts in a series called “USP: A Year in Review.” Below, you will find the fourth and last post of the series, talking about USP educational trips that took place this past year and some of the upcoming adventures in 2018.

This past year, the University Scholars Program (USP) had some amazing trips and educational journeys that brought them up and down the East Coast: north to New York and south to the Florida Keys, and several places in between!

- At the end of May and into the beginning of June, PALCS high school students took a trip to New York City. Students participated in research at a DNA Lab, learned stage combat, saw A Bronx Tale, spotted PALCS USP alum Benjamin Hess, who was working at the Academy of Natural Sciences, and many other activities. A special thanks to Heather Arnold of Historical Adventures and USP Staff Mr. Sommar, Mrs. Niedert, and Ms. Stefanski for leading the trip!

- In August of 2017, the USP middle school students traveled to Key Largo, Florida to live and study at the Marine Lab. Students alternated between classroom lessons and experiments, snorkeling field work, and free time with friends. In addition to diving in the sea grass, mangrove estuary, coral reef, and a plane wreck off of an isolated island, the students also visited a turtle hospital and the Everglades National Park. There was a giant alligator!”We are so grateful to the parents who made this authentic learning adventure possible,” says USP Principal Mr. Stiles. “I am very proud of our young scientists who braved open ocean, diving miles off shore along the coral reef with barracuda, and even diving at night in a lagoon.” Mr. Stiles would also like to recognize staff members Ms. Maslov (AP Psychology), Ms. Reddig (Foundations, Pre-Algebra, Algebra II, and AP Comp Sci), and Ms. Yerkes (School Nurse) for leading the students on their exploration. Also Heather Arnold of Historical Adventures, and Debra Thalhamer for their organizational expertise.

In November, USP teacher Mr. Parris took a group of students to Harrisburg for the PALCS annual “Senator for a Day” event. Nearly 100 PALCS students attended this adventure, including a group of USP students. During the day, they debated issues like videotaping on school buses and drug testing for welfare benefits. At the end of the day, they met with the host of the event. Senator Folmer agreed to re-work the PALCS Student Government’s bill from last year that had stalled. This was a very encouraging development. USP students, Matt Plichta, Class of 2020, Hannah Nguyen, Class of 2019, and Kaylee Goetz, Class of 2019, participated in the learning adventure.

Coming up in 2018, there are already several exciting USP trips planned.

- There will be a USP high school trip to Williamsburg, Virginia. This trip is going to have something for everyone: code breaking at the NSA National Cryptologic Museum; archaeology in Jamestown, VA; a guided historical daylight tour and a haunting ghost tour at night in Colonial Williamsburg; an interactive trial called “Hang a Pirate,” where you are the jury; a visit to the College of William and Mary; marine biology on the ocean; environmental science in an adventure park; physics and fun at Busch Gardens! There might even be time for a swim at the beach!

There is a USP middle school Boston trip in the works too! This adventure in New England includes curricular connections to all of the core subjects and is packed with unforgettable experiences. There will be whale watching in the Atlantic Ocean, a Fenway Park Tour, a visit to the MIT Museum and Workshop, interactive history lessons in the steeple of the Old North Church (“One if by land, two if by sea…”), and at the Lowell Mill, and the Salem Witch Museum.

We want to thank everyone who had a part in making these educational once in a lifetime trips a possibility, from the students, their families, and staff chaperones/volunteers, these would not be possible without each and every one of you! Here at PALCS, we have an extended stay educational trip committee dedicated to developing trip proposals and guidelines for trips focusing on key educational areas including language immersion, science and mathematics, history and humanities, and civics and leadership, so more exciting trips will continue to develop!

By PALCS Information Team|2024-07-24T03:00:15-04:00January 19th, 2018|Categories: School News, Latest News, USP News|Tags: activities, usp in review, educational travel|

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.

PALCS offers Homework Help in the evenings. Students can receive live help from a PALCS teacher in the virtual classroom.
PALCS focuses on weekly flexibility. Students can generally work one-to-two weeks ahead in their courses.
Our students are active in community sports, participate on local school district teams, and some even play at the semi-pro level!
Attendance is tracked by logging in on school days, Monday – Friday.
PALCS has an award-winning Robotics team, placing in both the First Lego League and the First Tech Challenge.
PALCS has an in-house video production studio so teachers can make dynamic videos for their lessons.
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.
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.
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 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.
Students get personalized feedback on assignments.
Students receive classroom materials on a year-to-year basis, but keep their school computer as long as they are enrolled in the school.
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 reach out to their teachers at any time through many outlets: phone, email, instant message, or chat.
The guidance department at PALCS offers access to Career Cruising, a website that helps students explore career possibilities.
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.
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!
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.
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 graduates have gone on to a range of careers, including becoming teachers, medical professionals, engineers, performing artists, athletes, and officers in the military.
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.
PALCS students can start exposure to a foreign language as young as Kindergarten!
PALCS opened its digital doors on September 13, 2004. Over 2000 young adults have graduated from PALCS since the school opened.
Students occasionally choose to mail finished projects to their teachers: we proudly display student artwork in our offices and learning centers!
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.
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!
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 Center for Performing and Fine Arts students regularly participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District Orchestra Festival.
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 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.
PALCS provides computer programs and websites to complete virtual labs for science courses.
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 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.
According to state law, cyber school students may continue to participate in extra-curricular activities and sports through their local schools.
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.
Over 150 highly qualified teachers work at PALCS. Teachers work from one of our offices, in either West Chester or Pittsburgh.
While equipment is provided, PALCS families can access school from any device with an Internet connection.
The PALCS University Scholars Program has a Mock Trial team that has consistently performed well at both county and district levels.
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.
Students have the opportunity to travel internationally, often for elective credit. Previous travel opportunities have included Costa Rica, Canada, China and Panama.
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.
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.
The PALCS Mascot is the Eagle and the school colors are blue and yellow.
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 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.
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.
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.
PALCS students are initiated into the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society each year in a blended on-site/virtual ceremony.
PALCS has a yearly commencement in Lancaster for all graduates and families who wish to attend.
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.

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About the Author: PALCS Information Team

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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 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.

Students get personalized feedback on assignments.

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

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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 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.

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

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 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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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