Our Vision
We are committed to make the Academy @ Palumbo an academic, cultural, social, and athletic “jewel” that will be an ongoing source of pride to students, parents, the community, and the School District of Philadelphia. It is our responsibility to realize this dream.
Our Mission
As an academic magnet school, the primary mission of The Academy is to provide our students with a comprehensive academic preparation for the rigors of higher learning. The Academy’s mission includes raising the aspirations of each student, developing universally applicable problem solving techniques, acquiring technological skills, and instilling a lifelong passion for learning that includes a rich cultural arts experience. We are committed to upholding the Anti-Racism declaration of the School District of Philadelphia by ensuring that the conditions in our school enable each student to find success regardless of race, color, or gender.
Courses & Program Highlights:
18 Advanced Placement (AP) Courses:
Art, Biology, Calculus AB, Chemistry, Chinese Comparative Government, Chinese, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, European History, Government & Politics, Physics B, Psychology, Spanish Language, Statistics, U.S. History
Dual Enrollment:
On-site dual enrollment program through Arcadia University
Extracurricular Activities:
• Asian Culture Club • Chaotic Step Team • Chess Club • Community Service Club • Debate/Speech Club • Drama Club • Fiber Arts Club • Griffin Ambassadors • GSA • Jazz Band • Journalism • Math Team • Multicultural Club • Palumbo and Villanova Exchange • Poetry Club • Robotics • Rock Band • Student Government • Students Run Philly Style
Sports Teams:
• Badminton • Baseball • Basketball—Boys’ and Girls’ • Crew • Cross-Country • Football • Golf • Lacrosse—Boys’ and Girls’ • Soccer—Boys’ and Girls’ • Softball • Swimming • Track and Field—Boys’ and Girls’ • Volleyball—Boys’ and Girls’ • Wrestling
Our Students
We are diverse and proud. We strive to be successful. We work hard to achieve our goals and we learn from our mistakes. We stand as one, as a community and as a family. All students, no matter what grade or class or race, are united. We are the Academy at Palumbo students, rising above our small beginning to look upon a bright future. We strive to be the best!
Our History
The Academy @ Palumbo held its grand opening on September 12, 2006. CEO Paul Vallas, South Region Superintendent John Frangipani, and CAO Gregory Thorton attended. Students entered in a procession with glow sticks to illuminate the hall. Afterwards the students sang “Imagine”. Later, Paul Vallas, John Frangipani, Gregory Thorton, Dr. Latoyia Bailey and Dr. Adrienne Wallace-Chew gave inspirational speeches to commence our first school year.
Points of Pride:
#1 School Climate among Philadelphia High Schools according to District’s SPR • Ranked nationally among best high schools in the state according to U.S. News & World Report • Active Home and School Association • National Honor Society; WHYY Flash Media grant awardee • National Moot Court Finalists • All-City Choir and Orchestra Members • Youth Women’s Symposium • VIEW with Villanova • PIAA Girls Volleyball Champions • PIAA Boys Volleyball Champions • Produced full musicals • Philly Youth Poetry Movement 4-time poetry champions • Teacher Leader Collaborative Grant winner, Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders • 2nd place in state chess championship, 2018 • National competitor in speech & debate
Partnerships:
• Beat the Streets • Fearless Athletics • Fox Chase Cancer Center • Lantern Theater and Hawthorne Empowerment Coalition • Mazzoni Center • Moonstone Daycare • Phila. Gay Men’s Chorus • Philadelphia Dance Foundation • Philadelphia Young Playwrights • PRIME Financial Literacy for girls • Prime Movers Journalism at Temple University • SEED Program • University of Pennsylvania School of Law • Women of Tomorrow