Now Accepting ’19-‘20 USP Applications!

View Larger Image

Now Accepting ’19-‘20 USP Applications!

Happy New Year! We are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2019-2020 school year for our University Scholars Program! It is not too early to begin exploring your options for next school year and see if PALCS, or USP, is a good fit for you and your family!

The University Scholars Program (USP) is a cyber-blended, honors college-preparatory program for eligible students in grades 6-12, enrolled in PALCS. USP opened its doors in the fall of 2005, and has over 245 middle and high school students today. As a highly competitive and rigorous program for students, eager to learn at a more advanced level, an additional application and test is required for acceptance to the program.

Students may participate in the program either virtually, or on-site at our Advanced Ideas Center, located in West Chester, PA. The Advanced Ideas Center provides a small learning community, with an average class size of about 12, where individual and diverse academic achievement is valued and supported in this blended learning situation. The University Scholars Program Curriculum focuses on synapse building through problem-solving, rich experiences, and challenging content. Lessons are designed to be interdisciplinary, engaging, project-based, and to spark intellectual curiosity.

If accepted, students participate in the program two to three days per week. Middle school students attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and every other Friday, while high school students attend on Mondays and Wednesdays, and every other Friday. Classes are generally offered from 8:15 am to 2:45 pm. Classes range from 60 to 90 minutes, allowing students to take at least four classes a day. Students who are accepted into USP will take their core classes through this program, and their electives either online through the PALCS, or at our Center for Performing and Fine Arts Program (CPFA).

Families interested in The University Scholars Program may attend our upcoming USP Information Session on Monday, January 28^th, 2019 at 6:30 PM. Details about this event may be found here. Anyone interested in applying to USP may begin completing a USP Application. After the application is complete and all required documents are submitted for review, qualified students will be invited to come in for testing. If accepted into USP, you will receive your official acceptance letter a few weeks after testing is done and decisions are made. The early decision application deadline is March 1^st, and the final deadline is July 19^th, however, spots fill up quickly so we recommend getting everything into us early if your family is interested! Good luck, scholars!

By PALCS Information Team|2024-07-12T03:14:01-04:00January 3rd, 2019|Categories: School News, Latest News, USP News|

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.

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

Click here to see more Fast Facts.

Discover Our Prospective Student & Family Events

Learn More About Our School

Meet our Staff

Discover Our Prospective Student & Family Events

Learn More About Our School

Meet our Staff

Now Accepting ’19-‘20 USP Applications!

Share This!

About the Author: PALCS Information Team

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.

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.

Students get personalized feedback on assignments.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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 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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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 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 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”.

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.

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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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

Contact Info

Recent PALCS News