Academic Programs

K-2

Philadelphia Academy Primary offers a full day Kindergarten, reduced class size, early intervention, advanced technology and center based learning with a focus in literacy and math. Literacy instruction focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, writing, vocabulary development and comprehension. Our math program offers hands on experiences for real life situations. Our students are also privileged the opportunity to participate in art, music, dance, Spanish, gym twice a week and an annual school play.

3-5

Philadelphia Academy Intermediate offers small class size, advanced technology and center based learning with a focus in literacy, math, social studies and science. Literacy instruction focuses on developing a strong vocabulary with fluent readers who can comprehend and apply a variety of reading skills and strategies. Using Bloom’s taxonomy of higher level thinking, we challenge our students to interpret, analyze and compare and contrast fictional and nonfictional text. Writing is intertwined throughout, concentrating on sound organization, ideas, voice, word choice, sentence fluency and conventions. Our social studies and science programs further develop our students’ nonfiction sense with role playing, explorations and hands on activities that encourage cooperative learning. The Everyday Mathematics program offers concrete experiences for real life situations that promote problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration covering the following Assessment Anchors: Numbers and Operations, Measurement, Geometry, Algebraic Concepts and Data Analysis and Probability. Monitoring our students’ progress through DIBELS (3rd grade only) and the 4Sight Benchmark Assessment helps our teachers identify strengths and weaknesses to better prepare our students for our yearly state assessments: PSSA Reading & Math, PSSA Writing (Grade 5 only), PSSA Science (4th grade only). Ultimately, our teachers create environments in which our students become independent, responsible learners who are equipped with the necessary tools to be successful in the middle school.

6-8

Philadelphia Academy Middle School offers advanced technology, accelerated math and reading classes as well as targeted instruction and intervention to ensure success for all students with a focus on literacy, math, social studies and science. Students complete their PACS years with continued instruction in Spanish, music, art and physical education. All students in grades 3 through 8 are invited to participate in our highly successful annual school play. Our reading and writing program challenges students to interpret, analyze, compare and contrast fictional and nonfictional text. Students demonstrate a variety of writing styles concentrating on building vocabulary, developing thesis statements and exploring the writing process. Critical thinking skills are developed through the use of novels and the Prentice Hall Literature Series. Our science program consists of hands-on learning in the classroom as well as weekly experiments in our science lab. Students develop algebraic and geometric skills and concepts throughout middle school culminating in both pre-algebra and algebra courses in 8th grade. In social studies, students explore cultures around the world and relive United States history with highly interactive programs. Ultimately, our teachers create environments in which our students graduate as independent, responsible learners who are well-equipped with the necessary tools to continue their success in high school.

Special Area Overview

Philadelphia Academy Charter School provides instruction in creative and performing arts, technology, foreign language and physical education in an effort to complete our students’ education.
All students from Kindergarten to 8th grade attend multifaceted art classes that feature a variety of techniques, styles and media. Classroom music instruction in grade K-8 allows students to develop their listening skills, read music and perform vocal and instrumental music from many different time periods and cultures. Students in grades K-4 take dance classes to develop kinesthetic awareness and coordination. Media classes in grades K-5 expose students to computer technology and library. Technology classes in grades 6-8 give students needed skills in many relevant computer applications. All students grades K-8 study Spanish language and cultures. Students in grades 6-8 study Spanish as an academic class, developing readiness to study foreign language in high school. Physical Education classes are offered in all grades K-8 allowing students to develop coordination, build teamwork, and develop skills to help them maintain a physically active and healthful life.