The Lead Leadership. Learning. PALCS in Motion.
ALL ACCESS WITH ANDY GARCIA Organizations Raising the Bar on Education and Online Learning
NICHE RANKINGS Top State Performance and National Recognition
WOMEN-LED TOP Workplaces Awards Education Industry | Professional Development | Innovation | Employee Well-Being
WINTER 2025
Contents Note from the CEO School Choice Rally Note from the CAO PALCS Joins AI Policy Labs Best Schools 2026 Top Workplaces Awards All Access with Andy Garcia Back to School Celebration East Back to School Celebration West Unity Day Elementary School Middle School High School USP CPFA
3 4 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 The Lead Winter 2025
Note from the CEO In June of 2025, I had the opportunity to step into the role of CEO for the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School. This new role has been both an honor and a privilege, filled with profound responsibility. My transition to the role of CEO has coincided with the pivotal moment for education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, particularly with the passage of the 2025-2026 state budget and the continued conversation surrounding equitable education, cyber charter school funding reductions, and reform. The newly passed budget reduced funding for cyber charter schools by more than $178 million. This means that all cyber students receive less funding for their education when they attend cyber charter schools. When lawmakers determine that the environment in which a student and their parent choose is less valuable, there is a clear message that school choice is not important. The new reductions will cause PALCS to lose more than $10 million from our operating budget. These reductions are significant and will require us to take a close look at where reductions can occur. We are prepared financially to weather these reductions. However, we need to continue sharing our stories and educating people about cyber-education to reduce the probability of additional reductions in the future. Advocacy is the key to our battle. Each of our parents needs to advocate in a way that is most comfortable for them. Advocacy does not have to look the same for every parent. Advocating for the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School could look like telling your own story, sharing the school’s social media posts, or requesting a meeting with a local official. Every single strategy is effective. When I became the CEO, I told myself that I would always do what was best for the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School by supporting innovation, setting high expectations, and continuing to position PALCS as a leader in K-12 online education. We have not given up. We are actively planning coordinated advocacy opportunities for our parents, students, and staff. We are modifying financial practices to ensure we remain fiscally sound. Finally, we are committed to providing all of our students with the best education possible. PALCS will continue to be a leader in the K-12 cyber education arena. Together, we will succeed through adversity.
Dr. Karla Johnson
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Karla Johnson The Lead Winter 2025
School Choice Rally Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Pennsylvania State Capitol Main Rotunda 501 N 3rd St., Harrisburg, PA 17120 The Lead Winter 2025
School Choice Rally On January 27, 2026, students, families, educators, and policymakers from across Pennsylvania will gather at the State Capitol to celebrate National School Choice Week. Hosted by PA Families for Education Choice in collaboration with the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, this statewide press conference will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Main Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol. The event will spotlight the many educational pathways available to Pennsylvania families and the opportunities those options create for students. Featuring student, parent, and legislative speakers, the press conference is designed to elevate authentic voices and lived experiences while giving legislators the chance to hear directly from the communities they serve. PALCS leadership will be in attendance to support our students, stand alongside families from across the Commonwealth, and affirm our shared commitment to educational choice, access, and innovation. We encourage PALCS families and community members who are able to attend to join us in Harrisburg for this meaningful moment of visibility and advocacy. Together, we show that when students are given choice, they are given possibility.
The Lead Winter 2025
Note from the CAO It is commonly known that professionals in medicine, law, and science have considerable formal education requirements, including college, graduate school, and postgraduate training. When you visit your doctor or dentist, you likely see their degree or license to practice framed and hanging on a wall. You may hear professionals that you know talk about the continuing education they complete to maintain their licensure or certification. You may personally hold one of these occupations and be all too familiar with the demands of continuing your education. Here at PALCS, our professional educators, administrators, and specialists understand the challenge of balancing continuing education with work and home because they, too, must do the same. There is a good chance that you are aware that all educational professionals are required to earn a bachelor’s degree and some a master’s degree; as well as a certification and/or license before beginning to work in public schools. But what you may not realize is that once employed by a public school like PALCS, teachers, principals, counselors, nurses, social workers, and psychologists are all required to continue learning. This is often accomplished through professional development experiences such as workshops, conferences, and in-service days. In addition, many educational professionals take graduate-level courses to earn their master’s or doctorate as part of their continuing education. At PALCS, we believe in the power of education, not only for our K-12 students but also for our education staff. Continuing education and the attainment of advanced degrees and credentials offer significant benefits to our employees, including career advancement, expanded professional networks, and greater personal satisfaction. It is well-known that lifelong learning contributes to personal enrichment, intellectual growth, and overall well-being.
Moreover, continuing education and advanced degrees help PALCS educational professionals remain relevant, adaptable, and innovative in their positions within our educational system. Our educators, administrators, and specialists provide an exceptional education to our K-12 learners because they, too, are always learning. Each year, we kick off our professional development program in early August with the New Teacher Academy (NTA). This multi-day program serves as orientation and onboarding for new PALCS educators to all of our applications and tools used to deliver our technology-rich education, such as PALCSchool and Canvas. For many of our new educational staff, this also marks the start of their two-year, state-required induction program under the guidance of a mentor. Following the NTA, all PALCS educational professionals participate in a week-long professional learning session called the Back-to-School Conference. During this event, staff receive essential updates from administration, attend state-mandated safety and education training, advance their instructional technology skills, and complete a variety of professional development sessions to enhance teaching. It is an intense few weeks for everyone involved, but also a great way to start the year prepared to meet the needs of our new and returning PALCS students.
The Lead Winter 2025
Once the school year gets underway, professional learning becomes more jobembedded. This allows PALCS employees to focus on serving students and simultaneously increase instructional strategies. Throughout the school year, we hold an in-service day during most months for our academic department staff to participate in schoolwide professional learning. Students will have an asynchronous learning day on the half days or a day off school on the full inservice days. In addition to these designated school days, educators at PALCS also participate in professional learning communities (PLCs). Most of our PLCs consist of teachers who teach the same subject in the same grade and regularly meet to collaborate and achieve the best results for students. Lastly, we have a cadre of instructional coaches at PALCS to support teachers, especially new teachers and those who are new to PALCS, through co-planning, coteaching, modeling, and video reflection. Through in-service days, PLCs, and instructional coaching, PALCS employees learn and grow with their students all year long. When the school year comes to a close and just after we celebrate the graduation of about 400 PALCS students, many educators, administrators, and specialists at PALCS continue learning through summer professional development opportunities. Through curriculum mapping, teachers align units and lessons to state-required academic standards, deepen their subjectmatter knowledge, and make instructional decisions. Through summer workshops at intermediate units, continuing education offerings at colleges, and conferences/institutes, PALCS employees learn new strategies and techniques to implement during the next school year. Further, a number of our employees take college courses to earn certifications and/or an advanced degree, including master’s and doctorate degrees. It’s an extremely busy time of year for educational professionals committed to deepening their expertise and skills to serve all PALCS learners better.
At PALCS, education is our mission. We believe in the promise of high-quality teaching and learning for our students and staff alike. By ensuring that all of our professional educators are hired with impeccable credentials and receive robust continuing education, we provide our students with the best possible opportunity to learn in our growth-focused learning environment. At a time when many school districts are challenged to fill positions, PALCS remains selective and maintains high standards for our employees. Our culture of excellence and the professional learning opportunities we offer are in part why we were recently awarded a national Top Workplace Award for Professional Development. While we were not seeking an award, it’s always nice to receive recognition for a job well done. PALCS receives quite a few awards each year. Still, this one is especially meaningful because education is at the heart of everything we do.
Dr. Joey Rider-Bertrand Chief Academic Officer
Dr. Joey Rider-Bertrand
The Lead Winter 2025
PALCS Joins EdSAFE AI Policy Labs At PALCS, we believe leadership means more than guiding students through today’s challenges. It means preparing them to thrive in tomorrow’s world. As technology continues to evolve, we see both opportunity and responsibility in how we approach it. I am proud to share that PALCS has been selected to join the EdSAFE AI Alliance’s 2025 Policy Lab cohort, chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants. The 2025 Policy Labs include both district and state cohorts that work together to help schools navigate the complex and changing landscape of artificial intelligence in education. Supported by a Google.org grant, this expanded initiative now includes 44 districts and 20 states. Collectively, it reaches more than 75,000 K–12 educators and 6,000 district leaders, ultimately benefiting millions of students. This partnership reflects our commitment to innovation, integrity, and student-centered learning. Through the Policy Lab, PALCS will collaborate with other leading school systems and education organizations to develop clear, effective, and responsible AI policies aligned with the SAFE Framework.
As we move forward, our focus remains on what we do best: teaching, learning, and human connection. AI is a powerful tool, but it does not replace the creativity of our educators, the curiosity of our learners, or the sense of community we build together. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together with our students, staff, families, and extended PALCS community, we will continue to explore new frontiers while staying grounded in the values that make PALCS exceptional.
Dr. Courtney Kofeldt-Grove
Director of Online Learning
Dr. Courtney Kofeldt-Grove
The Lead Winter 2025
BEST SCHOOLS 2026 Nearly half of PALCS’ rankings now fall within the top 10% of schools nationally or statewide.
#1
TOP
TOP
PUBLIC HS TEACHERS IN US
BEST PUBLIC K-12 SCHOOLS IN PA
5%
BEST PUBLIC ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL IN PA
TOP
15%
6%
BEST CHARTER MS IN US
PALCS National Rankings by Category Best Public K-12 Schools Most Diverse Public K-12 Schools Best Public High School Teachers Best Public Online High Schools Best Charter K-12 Schools Best Charter High Schools Best Charter Middle Schools Best Charter Elementary Schools
87 89
95
86
82 83 85 84
0
20
40 60 Ranking Percentile
80
100
PALCS Pennsylvania Rankings by Category Best Public K-12 Schools Best Public HS Best Public MS Best Public ES Most Diverse Public K-12 Schools Most Diverse Public HS Most Diverse Public MS Most Diverse Public ES Best Public HS Teachers Best Public MS Teachers Best Public ES Teachers Best College Prep Public HS Best HS for STEM Best Public Online HS Best Charter K-12 Schools Best Charter HS Best Charter MS Best Charter ES
PUBLIC HS TEACHERS IN US
81
63
94
88 89 90 89 89
95 91 91 92
68
93 93 95 95 0
20
40 60 Ranking Percentile
99
80
100
TOP 3
TOP 10%
TOP 9%
BEST PUBLIC & CHARTER K-12 SCHOOLS IN PA
MOST DIVERSE PUBLIC K-12 SCHOOLS IN AMERICA
BEST PUBLIC ES & MS TEACHERS IN PA
PALCS is among the state’s most respected public schools across all grade levels
Celebrating a learning community that welcomes and reflects students from every background
The heart of PALCS’ success dedicated, high-performing, award-winning educators
Niche.com rankings based on 19,115 US schools and 1,600+ Pennsylvania schools across 26 categories
The Lead Winter 2025
TOP WORKPLACES AWARDS Every year, Top Workplaces, a nationally trusted employer recognition program, publishes lists of Top Workplaces based on feedback from each organization’s own employees. This fall, PALCS was recognized as a Top Workplace in the Education Industry! Additionally, PALCS received the following Culture Excellence Awards: Woman-Led, Professional Development, Employee Well-Being, and Employee Appreciation. PALCS has also received regional Top Workplaces awards in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, as well as the following Culture Excellence awards: Innovation, Compensation and Benefits, Work-Life Flexibility, and Purpose and Values.
The Lead Winter 2025
ALL ACCESS WITH ANDY GARCIA Earlier this year, PALCS was chosen to participate in a spotlight segment for the All Access with Andy Garcia educational series, Raising the Bar on Education and Online Learning.
Featuring PALCS CEO, Dr. Karla Johnson, PALCS Director of Online Learning, Dr. Courtney Kofeldt-Grove, and PALCS Class of 2025 graduate Anjali Verma, the segment explores how PALCS is leading the way in online education in Pennsylvania and nationally. PALCS is honored to be recognized as an educational institution that is raising the bar!
The Lead Winter 2025
August 28
Back to School Celebration EAST This year, PALCS hosted the most attended annual Back to School Celebrations to date! In West Chester, 570 student family members and PALCS staff celebrated the new school year with bounce houses, yard games, and face painting.
The Lead Winter 2025
Back to School Celebration WEST
September 12
The Back to School festivities continued in the West with a fun day of bowling, laser tag, and arcade games! With over 260 student family members in attendance, plus participation from teachers, support staff, administrators, and leadership, this year’s celebration was extra special.
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UNITY DAY Every October, during National Bullying Prevention Month, the PALCS School Counseling team leads the community in celebrating Unity Day by wearing orange to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. This year, the celebrations didn’t stop there. The CPFA middle and high school students painted stepping stones for a unity garden—very fitting for this year’s theme of “Building CommUNITY with Kindness!”
The Lead Winter 2025
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOARD GAME CLUB Once per marking period, PALCS elementary school hosts an in-person meeting of the Board Game club at Westtown! This marking period, students grades K-5, elementary teachers, and support staff gathered to play board games, enjoy snacks, and get free swag. This event was also a great opportunity for parents to connect.
STUDENT SUCCESS CONFERENCES In late November, the elementary school held “Student Success” conferences with 543 Learning Coaches attending in grades K-5!
4TH & 5TH GRADE DAY OF SERVICE On November 12, PALCS 4th and 5th grade students and teachers participated in a Day of Service with Cradles to Crayons in Philadelphia. The elementary school has been participating in this event, held semiannually, for over five years, and it is a highly anticipated day for students to volunteer and give back to their community.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY BUILDING This year, the middle school student body has been active in their activity groups, attending field trips, running monthly assemblies, and planning the yearbook. Their commitment to both their learning and to the middle school community is inspiring!
MONTHLY INSTRUCTIONAL SPOTLIGHTS
MATH & READING INTERVENTION
The middle school features a monthly instructional spotlight where teachers present professional development. These presentations have been outstanding and will strengthen academic instruction.
PALCS middle school continues to develop their math and reading intervention programs to improve how they meet their students’ needs. Students are working hard and making tremendous gains!
The Lead Winter 2025
HIGH SCHOOL NATIONALITY & HERITAGE ROOMS FIELD TRIP On November 5th, high school teachers Ms. Patxot and Ms. Toncini accompanied a small group of students and learning coaches for a guided highlight tour of the University of Pittsburgh's Nationality and Heritage Rooms. These rooms represent and celebrate the culture and diverse communities of Pittsburgh. Additionally, they are also used as university classrooms, which give students an opportunity to learn in a unique setting.
COLLEGE IN HS PROGRAM The high school team is excited to announce the launch of their “College in High School” dual enrollment program this spring! The program will allow 11th and 12h grade students to take college-level English through PALCS while also earning credit with Delaware Community College.
HOMECOMING In October, PALCS high school hosted their annual homecoming dances in the East and West. Both events reached their highest student attendance in history. Students and staff had a great time dressing up, connecting in-person, and dancing the night away!
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UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM SPIRIT WEEK USP’s annual Spirit Week celebrations continued this year! Students had so much fun dressing up for themes like sports jersey day, pajama day, and Adam Sandler day. The middle school (see right) and high school both also participated in a Color Wars day, with each grade wearing a different color to represent themselves.
MU ALPHA THETA MATH HONORS SOCIETY In November, USP hosted their annual induction ceremony for Mu Alpha Theta, the national mathematics honor society. The society is designed to encourage and support strong scholarship and enjoyment in math. To be accepted in, students must have completed at least two years of college-prep math and maintained a 3.0 GPA in the subject. This year, 35 members and 2 associates were inducted at USP!
FOUR USP STUDENTS NAMED COCA-COLA SCHOLARSHIP SEMIFINALISTS USP is proud to announce four students have been recognized as Coca-Cola Scholarship Semifinalists! Selected from over 100,000 applicants nationwide, these outstanding seniors were chosen for their exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to community service. As semifinalists (only 1% make it this far), they will continue in the selection process for one of the nation's most prestigious scholarships, awarded to students who demonstrate a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their school and communities. This was the first year that USP had more than one applicant make it to the semi-finalist level, and PALCS-USP is the only high school in PA to have four semifinalists. Great work, scholars!
The Lead Winter 2025
CENTER FOR PERFORMING AND FINE ARTS 25-26 THEATRE SEASON The 2025–2026 CPFA Theatre season got off to an exciting start! Middle schoolers brought Dr. Seuss to life with the vibrant and whimsical Seussical Jr., while the high school stage was alive with laughter in Lend Me A Tenor.
Photo by Claire Ahlborn, Class of 2026 3RD ANNUAL DANCE FOR HER For the third year in a row, CPFA dancers participated in the Dance for HER Benefit Concert hosted by West Chester University’s Theatre Department. The concert helps raise money and awareness for Unite for HER, a local non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with breast and ovarian cancers.
Photo by Abigail Dutton, Class of 2025 HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA Since its debut in 2006, the CPFA community has celebrated the holiday season with stunning student performances, delicious treats, and the warmth of friends and family. Over the years, CPFA's Holiday Extravaganza has grown even bigger—now live-streamed so that loved ones near and far can join in the fun, laughter, and festive cheer.
Photo by Clinton Wolfe, Dance Photographer The Lead Winter 2025
As the calendar year closes, our focus remains exactly where it belongs: on students. Through pressure, scrutiny, and change, our work is guided by a single constant - protecting opportunity, expanding possibility, and standing decisively for the children and families we serve.
Brooke Sigmund
Zealan Turner
Editorial Designer
Editor, Producer
Narrative Content Specialist
Director of School Communications
The Lead Winter 2025