SCIENCE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
At a Glance
Mission & Approach to Learning
Science Leadership Academy is an inquiry-driven, project-based college-preparatory high school focused on 21st-century learning that opened its doors on September 7, 2006. SLA is a pioneer in the School 2.0 movement nation-wide and, as such, is dedicated to a modern, student-centered and authentic approach to learning.
Students at SLA learn in a technology-infused, project-based environment where the core values of inquiry, research, collaboration, presentation, and reflection are emphasized in all classes.
Points of Pride
- Recognized as the Dell Center of Excellence for Education – 2014-current
- Digital Video program won the Global 10- Day Film Challenge – 2019
- Public League Champions: 2022, 2023 Swimming
- Competed in 2018-23 State Playoffs – Baseball, Girls Volleyball, Cross-Country, Track, Girls Ultimate Frisbee, Boys Ultimate Frisbee, Football, Girls Basketball, Girls Soccer, Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Swimming
- Division-winning sports teams: Girls Soccer, Boys Softball, Baseball, Girls Volleyball
- Nationally recognized 1:1 laptop program
- 2011 City Debate Champions, 2016-2018 National Debate qualifiers
- Four year Advisory program •
- 2019 State Qualifier – FIRST Robotics
- Grants from Dell, Braskem and State Farm
- Over $2 million dollars in merit based scholarships for the Class of 2023
- Principal Lehmann named as the Best Principal in Philadelphia, 2021 & 2022 – Metro Philadelphia
- Slam Poetry program, placing students on Philadelphia Youth Slam team and home to multiple Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureates • Hosts the yearly national education conference – EduCon – planned by students, teachers, parents and community.
- Award-winning student journalism program
- Multiple Faculty Members are published education authors: –
- Chris Lehmann – Building School 2.0: How to Create the Schools We Need
- Matthew Kay – multiple books including Not Light but Fire; How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Classroom
- Larissa Pahomov – Authentic Learning in the Digital Age: Engaging Students Through Inquiry
- Joshua Block – Teaching for a Living Democracy: Project-Based Learning in the English and History Classroom
- Named as one of the Ten Most Amazing Schools by Ladies Home Journal in Aug. 2010
- Featured in the PBS Documentary, Digital Media: New Learners for the 21st Century
- Apple Distinguished School: 2009-2013
- President Barack Obama spoke with graduating Class of 2012
- Gates Millennium Scholars 2010-2014
- Designed and built a solar distillation system for a hospital in Sierra Leone
- Two patents pending for a flow process biodiesel generator
Courses & Program Highlights
- Approved CTE Programs:
- Engineering Technologies
- Film and Video Production
- Dual Enrollment Program: Drexel University, U. Penn Scholars and Community College of Philadelphia
- Streamed courses in 9-11 Grades; 10 and 11 Grade Individualized Learning Plan; 12 Grade Capstone Course
- Courses offered in Digital Filmmaking, Computer Science Engineering, General Engineering, Anatomy & Physiology, Journalism, Philosophy, Art Studio, Ceramics, Drama/Playwriting, Debate, and Music, Civics
Extracurricular Activities
- Art Club
- Black Student Union
- Chess Club
- Community Service Club
- Debate
- Digital Video
- Drama
- Dream Interpretation Club
- Engineering Club
- Gay-Straight Alliance
- Improv
- Journalism
- Lit Mag
- Math Club
- Music
- Peer Mediation
- Poetry Slam
- Rock Climbing
- Robotics
- Science Club
- Student Leadership
- Student Action Board
- Tech Club
- Theater
- Yearbook
Sports Teams
- Badminton (w/ Ben Franklin HS)
- Baseball
- Basketball—Girls and Boys
- Cross Country—Co-ed
- Football (w/ Ben Franklin HS)
- Golf (w/ Constitution HS)
- Lacrosse—Girls and Boys (w/ Palumbo & Masterman)
- Soccer—Girls and Boys
- Softball
- Students Run Philly Style
- Tennis (w/ Masterman)
- Track—Co-ed
- Ultimate Frisbee—Girls and Boys
- Volleyball—Girls and Boys
Partnerships
- Braskem
- The Clay Studio
- Drexel University
- Eat Right Philly
- 100+ organizations partnering for student Individualized Learning Plans
Admission Criteria
- Grades: As and Bs with one C
- Attendance: 90%
- Standardized Test: 50th Percentile in ELA and
50th Percentile in Math
- Additional Requirements: Individual project-based presentation.
Last modified: October 11, 2023