Sophia Academy

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.

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.