Online K-12 Education in Pennsylvania

Every child is different. At The Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School, we provide a unique and individualized approach to learning for every child.

Online public charter school for any K-12 students in Pennsylvania.
Ranked #1 Best Online School in PA for past five years.
Students log on every school day to complete online schoolwork.
Courses created and taught by certified, easy to reach teachers.
State of the art laptop, books and online resources are provided.
PALCS is a flexible, academically dynamic and award winning online school in PA.

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PALCS by the Numbers

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Students State-wide

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Honor Roll Students

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Enter Post-Grad Education

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Courses K-12

Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School offers an online education option that fits your needs and schedule. If you are looking for a public education option that offers students the chance for self-motivation and flexible class options, our online education classes are a great choice.
Students throughout PA have studied with us since 2004, and we offer programs for students from kindergarten through high school. We are affiliated with the National Honors Society, and we offer state-mandated standardized tests as well as the SAT and ACT for prospective college students.

Flexible and Dynamic Learning
Even with online schooling, students need consistency to ensure that they stay motivated and retain the information they are learning. With PALCS, students log in from home every day to complete their online classwork — this way, they are engaging with the material and their classmates on a regular schedule.
In addition to standard classes, students in grades 6–12 can audition for our Center for Performing and Fine Arts. This program is a blend of online and in-person courses for those in the West Chester area and offers online-only options for the rest of the state.
PALCS has been ranked #1 Best Online School for the last five years, and we aim to continue to offer excellent online education for students as the world moves into this new world of virtual and blended education.
To learn more about our classes or enroll your child, contact PALCS by calling 1-877-725-2785 or filling out our online contact form.

Profiles our Students, Family and Staff

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Staff

Mr. Mark Allenpalcsadmin2023-06-12T12:45:04-04:00

Mr. Mark Allen
Home Page, Administration
Dr. Karla Johnsonpalcsadmin2023-06-12T12:44:27-04:00

Dr. Karla Johnson
Home Page, Teachers, Administration, Academic Admin
Dr. Courtney Kofeldt GrovePALCS Information Team2023-08-01T14:15:36-04:00

Dr. Courtney Kofeldt Grove
Home Page, Teachers, Administration, Faculty, Academic Admin
Mr. Michael Loguepalcsadmin2023-06-12T13:00:01-04:00

Mr. Michael Logue
Home Page, Teachers, High School Admin, Academic Admin
Mr. Alex Rauschmmurray2023-06-12T13:00:09-04:00

Mr. Alex Rausch
Home Page, Teachers, Middle School Admin & Support, Academic Admin
Ms. Cheryl Clothiermmurray2023-06-12T12:59:00-04:00

Ms. Cheryl Clothier
Home Page, Teachers, Elementary Admin & Support, Academic Admin

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“#1 Public Online High School in PA”

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Info Sessions and Open Houses!

Join Us for a LIVE Info Session ONLINE!

Our School Communications Department is hosting LIVE Info Sessions ONLINE each month! Here are some of the upcoming dates:

Monday, December 4, 2023 at 6 p.m.

Monday, January 8, 2023 at 6 p.m.

Monday, February 5, 2023 at 6 p.m.

Monday, March 4, 2023 at 6 p.m.

Monday, April 8, 2023 at 6 p.m.

Monday, May 6, 2023 at 6 p.m.

Monday, June 3, 2023 at 6 p.m.

Join us LIVE on Zoom at https://PALCScommunity.zoom.us/my/schoolcommunications

Come Find Out About Our University Scholars Program!

The University Scholars Program (USP) embraces the individual scholar – grades 6-12. With an understanding of the complexities of high aptitude learners, both their phenomenal strengths and very real challenges, we believe that these students, like all students, have a right to an appropriate education that helps them to reach their fullest potential.

Join us for an onsite Info Session!

December 7, 2023 – Sign-up link

January 11, 2024 – Sign-up link

January 23, 2024 – Sign-up link

February 22, 2024 – Sign-up link

March 19, 2024 – Sign-up link

April 18, 2024 – Sign-up link

Info Sessions begin at 6:30 p.m. at 1585 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380 and online.

Contact USP Administrative Assistant Michelle Gonnella at mgonnella@palcs.org for more details.

Learn more about the Center for Performing and Fine Arts!

The Center for Performing and Fine Arts (CPFA) is a supplementary and enriching arts program for PALCS students in grades 6-12. With both online and in-person programs available, CPFA provides comprehensive musical development, theatrical training, foundational dance technique, visual and digital media arts fundamental principles of design and composition, and so much more!

Want to learn more? Schedule a tour or informational Zoom meeting by reaching out to cpfa@palcs.org or by giving us a call at (610) 430-6525.

You can also join us for the CPFA Open House on Tuesday, January 16th– We can’t wait to meet you!

CPFA is located at 211 Carter Drive, Suite C, in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

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Latest News

Please visit our Blog. There we have news on students, families, staff and also our community.

More PALCS News…

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

Join Over 3,000+ Students Enjoying PALCS Education Now

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Discover Our Prospective Student & Family Events

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Every Child Deserves an Exceptional Education

Still enrolling for the 2023-2024 School Year!

Online K-12 Education in Pennsylvania

PALCS by the Numbers

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Profiles our Students, Family and Staff

Staff

Checkout Some of Our Info Sessions and Open Houses!

Join Us for a LIVE Info Session ONLINE!

Come Find Out About Our University Scholars Program!

Learn more about the Center for Performing and Fine Arts!

Latest News

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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

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”.

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

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.

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

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 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!

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

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

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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 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.

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

Students get personalized feedback on assignments.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Join Over 3,000+ Students Enjoying PALCS Education Now

Contact Info

Recent PALCS News

Checkout Some of Our

Info Sessions and Open Houses!