The Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School, or PALCS as it is affectionately referred to by the school community, is a public cyber charter school serving Pennsylvania students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. PALCS provides an engaging and innovative online education in a welcoming environment that empowers students to be leaders in their community and prepares them for future education and careers.

As a public school, the PALCS curriculum follows the PA standards-aligned system to meet or exceed all Pennsylvania Core Standards and offers over 250-course options for grades K-12. These courses cover core subjects, such as language arts, math, science, and social studies, as well as various electives, including computer science, technology, visual arts, music, health and physical education, business, and family and consumer science. At the high school level, traditional college prep, honors, and advanced placement (AP) tracks are available.

PALCS’s educational model is structured in a hybrid synchronous and asynchronous format which enables students to work through course materials and assignments on their own time while still engaging regularly with teachers and classmates in live virtual lessons each week. When not in live lessons, students work through course material available through their cutting-edge online school platform, PALCSchool, at their own pace with various assignments and coursework being due each week. School counselors work closely with students to carefully craft individualized daily schedules to stay on track in classes, as well as to monitor their academic progress and engagement. Teachers also host live “Lesson Help” sessions throughout the week to provide extra help for students who may need it, as well as drop-in office hours for students to engage with them outside of class. PALCS’s hybrid learning environment provides unique functions to students: individualized learning, teacher-curated curriculum, digital preparedness and advancement, specialized courses and programs, and flexible schedules. 

These benefits are ideal for students involved in extracurriculars with highly demanding schedules, such as those who participate in competitive athletics, the arts, and professional pursuits, as well as those whose families travel frequently. PALCS’s online format is also well-suited to serve students with chronic illnesses, those who have been the victim of bullying, or those with social, emotional, and/or behavioral delays.

PALCS employs over 200 teachers across all three divisions: elementary, middle, and high school, as well as within their enrichment programs: the Center for Performing and Fine Arts (CPFA), University Scholars Program (USP), and Professional Studies Program (PSP). To inspire success in all their students, PALCS offers supplemental support initiatives, including the Pennsylvania Student Assistance Program (SAP), Bridge to Student Success (BTSS), Student Opportunity for Academic Recovery program (SOAR), College and Career Readiness, Parent Workshop Series, and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-compliant courses. In addition, PALCS also offers robust support to students and families with the help of committed Student Services and School Counseling departments, including a dedicated College and Career Advisor, Community Resource and Homeless Liaison, and Family Support and Engagement Specialist. PALCS has thoroughly built its Family Support Network to connect families by region and division level, as well as to organize in-person events hosted by Regional Family Ambassadors, such as Book Buddies and Family Game Night. Along with these student enrichment events, PALCS also hosts countless other in-person events, such as homecoming dances, proms, day trips, extended stay trips, back-to-school celebrations, move-up celebrations, and high school graduation. 

These large-scale in-person events are accompanied by other engagement activities throughout the year: virtual clubs, fundraisers, themed spirit days, community service, and social hours. All of these events are designed to provide socialization opportunities and enrich the educational experience of PALCS students.

Overall, PALCS’s individualized educational model, robust enrichment and support programs, and dedicated staff nurture the self-expression, creativity, and critical thinking necessary to acquire the global leadership capabilities they strive to inspire.