What is a charter school?

A charter school is an independently managed, non-sectarian, tuition free public school that is open to all students and accountable to the Massachusetts Department of Education. Charter schools were created to provide public education choices for families, to encourage the competition that fuels innovation and change, to improve educational outcomes for students and to promote academic and operational accountability for public schools.
Charter schools agree to meet the specific and detailed performance goals outlined in their charters. These goals must be met during the term of a school's charter (5 years) or the charter will be revoked and the school closed.

Are charter schools public schools?

Yes.

Do I have to pay tuition to go to Phoenix Charter Academy?

No, Phoenix Charter Academy is a public school and free to all students. PCA is funded by state per-pupil tuition dollars and private donations.

 What are the requirements to be a student at Phoenix Charter Academy?

You must fill out an application, be of high school age, and be a resident of Chelsea, Revere or Lynn, Massachusetts. There is an additional lottery for prospective students who live outside of Chelsea, Revere or Lynn for any remaining slots. Learn more about the admissions process.

What is a typical day like at PCA?

PCA has an extended schedule from 9 am to 5 pm. Some students come before 9 am to study English and receive extra tutoring and literacy instruction.

Wednesdays, school runs from 9 am to 1 pm.  Wednesday afternoons are free so students can attend doctor's and employment appointments or work at a part-time job. Teachers will use this time for professional development.

Can English Language Education students (ELE or LEP) attend PCA?

Yes! PCA welcomes all English Language Education students. PCA core academic classes will be taught in English in accordance with Massachusetts state law and PCA faculty will be trained in various forms of sheltered English instruction. In addition, PCA will have voluntary intensive classes before school for English Language Education students who want to improve their English comprehension and writing skills.

¿Pueden asistir a Phoenix Charter Academy los estudiantes de Educación en el Idioma Inglés (“De Conocimiento Limitado del Inglés”, “ELE” o “LEP”)

¡Sí! PCA acepta a todos los estudiantes de Educación en el Idioma Inglés.  Las clases académicas básicas de PCA se darán en inglés, de acuerdo con las leyes del estado de Massachussets, y los maestros de PCA recibirán entrenamiento en varios métodos de la enseñanza “sheltered”. Adicionalmente, PCA ofrecerá clases intensivas opcionales antes de clases para los estudiantes de Educación en el Idioma Inglés que quieran mejorar sus habilidades en el inglés.

Who are PCA students?

PCA students live in Chelsea, Lynn, Revere and surrounding towns and are 14-21 years old. Our students come from all over the United States (Massachusetts, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.), El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Cape Verde, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Croatia and Russia. Many of our students are bilingual and speak English, Spanish, Portuguese and Haitian Creole. At least 17 PCA students are mothers and at least 1 is a father. PCA students are diverse: 70% are Latino, 17% are Black, 10% are Caucasian and 10% are Asian.

How are students evaluated at PCA?

Students will be graded using a variety of assessments including quizzes, tests, written work, projects, portfolios and oral presentations. Students will be graded A, B, or C on assignments in their core competency areas. Students who do not earn a “C-” or better will not receive credit for that course.

I have a child, can I attend PCA?

Yes! PCA has a child care center for infants and toddlers. All PCA student parents attend regular high school classes and learn basic parenting skills.

I work at night, can I attend PCA?

Yes. PCA has an extended day from 9 am – 5 pm to accommodate student schedules.

Will I have homework at PCA?

Yes. PCA students will have an academically challenging curriculum which will include homework assignments and projects.

Do PCA students have to take the MCAS?

Yes. Like all Massachusetts public school students, PCA students are required to take the MCAS exam, and pass the 10th grade English and Math MCAS exams as a graduation requirement.

Does PCA have a special education program?

Yes. Like all public schools, PCA provides support and services for special education students. PCA's special education program is integrated, and thus all students with Individual Education Plans are mainstreamed in our classrooms.