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When any student begins to struggle in school, stress levels in both student and parents rise. What are we going to do? Will I need to homeschool? Can I drop out of school right now? As this school year winds down so chaotically, spoiled by a coronavirus that has spread around the world, parents of struggling students are even more stressed about what to do for high school. Will there even be school next year?

Yes, there will be school. Administrators are planning for a return to a physical school with some social distancing and health measures in place, while at the same time, planning for another possible round of online learning. But for every struggling student, the decision of where to go to school becomes critical. Students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia or ADHD need a multi-sensory approach to learning. They need school to be as hands-on as possible. They need personal attention and targeted intervention.

The best school assumes that your child is bright. It will keep the curriculum rigorous while at the same time provide the scaffolding and supports needed in reading and math. The best school delivers on the multi-sensory, hands-on education through the creativity of its teachers and the appropriateness of its curriculum. The best school balances cost with value.

As parents and students look for schools, consider also the culture of the school. Look for the school that not only understands your child’s unique learning style, but is able to celebrate his personality. Look for the school that believes in your child’s potential whatever her learning difference.

Sophia Academy is currently the only independent Christian school in the city of Philadelphia dedicated to awakening the genius of students with language-based learning differences. Our small class size and our insistence on hands-on, multi-sensory education make us the right school for many Philadelphia students.

Call us now (267-577-8020) to enroll and to file a financial aid application.

Sophia Academy closed abruptly the evening of March 12 when it was learned that someone at the Esperanza building had contact with an unidentified COVID-19 patient. In discussions with the board, it was decided that the wise, prudent course was to move all classes to online learning until the rapid spread of the corona virus lessens. We announced our closure on Thursday evening, just ahead of Governor Wolf’s closing of all PA schools the next day. What will our students do? As in so many other schools, education will continue: some students have computers at home, while others will have school laptops. Teachers will use Zoom to teach the students together, go over homework, guide their learning. We will miss music and chair caning for a few weeks, but with our ability to meet virtually, other classes won’t miss a beat.

We are committed to doing all we can as a school to “flatten the curve” and help the country weather this virus. We encourage all students and their families to stay home, avoid crowds and, of course, wash their hands!

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You are invited!!! Join us at our first, annual fundraising banquet on April 2, 2020 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Parish Hall, 5900 N 5th Street, 19120. Doors open at 6:30. Stroll through our pop-up market where you will find books and T-shirts for sale while you nosh on appetizers. Dinner begins at 7 pm with a silent auction to round out the evening. Bid on items as varied as original art, a cooking class for two at La Cucina, date night gift baskets, a family photo shoot with a professional photographer, and tickets to Phillies games. RSVP to 267-595-4723.

At Sophia Academy, we value learning by doing: walking a labyrinth when learning about medieval monks, conducting a dig while studying ancient cultures and civilizations, baking bread while learning about heat and energy, and of course, keeping our science classes as hands-on as possible. Through our SEPUP curriculum, which is 80% hands-on, students “do” biology, chemistry, and physics.

In the first year of Sophia Academy’s existence, when we were still a pilot program and shared space with another teacher, we were forced to take field trips every Thursday so her classes could meet. Frequent field trips are still important to us as we seek to awaken genius in every student through our multi-sensory, hands-on, and relational education.

Field Trips can accomplish in one afternoon what might take weeks to get across in a classroom. By being able to handle authentic objects, listen to real world scientists, move through the shopping district of a foreign culture, or tour everything from a submarine to a guitar factory, student learning is not only enriched but imprinted more securely in the brain.

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Studies show that students who take educational field trips are more intellectually curious and interested in life around them (NEA). Their critical thinking ability and their historical empathy go way up as they are presented with the multi-sensory environment of museums and art or science institutions (Education Next, 2014). And a study by the US Travel Association found that those students who take field trips have better grades (59%), higher graduation rates from high school (95%) and college (63%), and greater income (12%) (NEA).

We don’t need a study to tell us that field trips are value added to our Sophia education. We see it daily in the increased compassion, understanding, and positive world view exhibited by our students.

As a unique high school that believes in Awakening Genius in all students by offering multi-sensory education for those who learn differently, we seek an exceptional part-time science (Biology and Science/Sustainability) long-term substitute to provide individualized and engaging instruction for the 2nd semester. The position could include upper level math as well. With the right candidate, the position may become full-time or on-going. Compensation is per course.

Job Expectations

• Cultivate a learning environment that encourages discovery, creativity, and student growth through a rigorous hand-on, inquiry-driven approach.
• Offer positive feedback and coaching to promote student confidence and high academic outcomes.
• Demonstrate awareness of students’ backgrounds, skills, proficiency levels, interests, learning styles, and special needs in lesson planning, pacing, and presentation.
• Employ innovative instructional methods, and adjust instructional strategies based on assessment, standards, and goals to meet each student’s learning needs.
• Utilize a variety of formative and summative assessments that track student learning against course goals.
• Promote positive professionalism in all communications involving students, parents, staff, and visitors.
• Eagerly engage in professional development to learn more about teaching students with dyslexia or dyscalculia.

What qualifications are needed?

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in subject matter
• PA teaching certification preferred but not required.
• Special Education coursework or experience preferred
• Available to work Monday through Friday with part-time hours
• Maintain compliance with state and federal laws; pass pre-employment background check.
• Clear Christian testimony

Click here for a teacher application

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Sophia Academy students often arrive at Sophia convinced that they have no ability to succeed: I can’t draw, I can’t do school, I can’t speak, I can’t write. Through our Awakening Genius model, they find out they can: do school, draw, speak, write, and so much more. So glad to be offering hope to students who had lost hope in years past.

Students, parents, and interested teachers are invited to attend Sophia Academy’s Open House on October 9, 2019. The morning begins with registration at 8:45. You will learn more about Sophia Academy to see if it is a good fit. You will be able to sit in on classes and watch our program in action. There will be opportunity for Q & A as well as assistance with applications and financial aid.