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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.

Sophia Academy moves! We began the school year at Esperanza College on North 5th Street in a quiet, airy, full of light building. We are grateful to Esperanza College for their generosity to us.

Moving is a critical piece of the Sophia education and our Awakening Genius model as well–moving with our bodies that is. Three times a week, Sophia students begin with The Kinetic Classroom, engaging in movement exercises that they must “read” off a large screen. Research shows that this type of body/brain connection leads to significant increases in cognitive development. Ms. Purring, our Drama and English teacher, comes to us with a background in physical theater and theatrical movement and ably leads the entire school in growing our brains.

In our academic classes, we are mindful that movement often equals knowledge imprinted on the memory. Moving hands, moving feet, moving bodies are some of the ways we learn English and History, Math and Latin. Other times we look like every other high school, but moving first helps us when we need to sit. . Come visit Sophia Academy and see how multi-sensory education can awaken the genius in every student.

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Sophia Academy is happy to announce the graduation of four seniors on June 6, 2019 with commencement exercises held at New Life Church, Philadelphia. Valedictorian Sam Doggett gave us a brief overview of his Sophia Academy experience, while commencement speaker Rev. Larry Smith spoke to the graduates about who they wanted to be in the future. Congratulations Sam, Reese, Destiny, and Jared!

Congratulations to our four seniors who will graduate in nine short weeks, finishing twelve years of schooling. Senioritis notwithstanding, Sophia Academy is proud of the seniors and their work. Let us introduce them to you:

Completing high school in three years, inquisitive REESE is a Sophia Academy success story. After experiencing our multi-sensory education, Reese shone in math and in science class where he loved working with the microscope in inquiry–based learning. Reese plans to work immediately after high school. Possible careers: graphic artist, lab tech, music teacher. 

Sophia Academy’s first Valedictorian, witty SAM enjoys our small classes and personal attention. He has made a name for himself as both a steadfast worker and a creative thinker and has become an inveterate reader. He thinks about pursuing criminal psychology after high school. Possible careers: detective, politician, criminal psychologist, coach or teacher.

Contemplative JARED joined us for his senior year to finish up the last of his requirements. His attentive mind and willingness to answer posed questions keeps discussion moving, a much appreciated gift. Jared plans to attend Community College. Possible careers: Accounts Receivable, IRS Data Entry, Landscaping, Gamer

Teachable DESTINY, who works hard in class, is an articulate speaker and great at connecting theory to real life. She added the feminine side to Sophia for two years. Possible careers: Health care professional, cosmetology, public relations, or sales.