Phoenix Charter Academy was founded with the belief that when high expectations for academic success are partnered with a strong and structured support system, students will be academically successful. We recognize that academic success is only possible with a learning environment that is structured to address the particular needs and challenges of our student population. PCA was designed with the following three research-based best practices in mind:

1. Students need to have time devoted to skill acquisition in order to reach proficiency and mastery.
2. Students need ample time in their regular program for practice of new skills.
3. Students need opportunities for learning and practice using multiple contexts.

The PCA school day is organized into six periods of core academics, advisories and electives. In addition to regular block classes of English Language Arts, humanities, science, and math, student schedules will be supplemented with the following elements:

• Intensives – A 50-minute period taking place before school hours where students can receive extra tutoring or English language instruction. Intensives are not mandatory for any student; it is instead a time set aside for students to get the one-on-one instruction, the more detailed explanation, or the extra practice they may need to achieve PCA's academic standards.
• Community Meeting – On Mondays and Fridays, we have a 20-minute whole school meeting at the beginning of the official school day to check in on goals for the day, to give teachers an opportunity to make announcements and the Principal to address the entire student body.
• Advisory Period – A 40-minute period once a week where students meet with Advisors, trouble-shoot academic concerns, or engage in team building activities.
• Outreach – A time when staff members call home regarding attendance or other issues as needed. This time will also be used to inform parents or guardians of a student's recent achievements.
• Wednesday Half-Day – Students will rotate through life skills units such as financial information and decision-making, child development, making healthy life decisions and nutrition. On Wednesdays, there will be no classes in the afternoon. Instead, the afternoon can be used by students to attend medical and employment appointments or work at a part-time job. Teachers will use this time for professional development.