The Café

The Café is a gateway to the school and it is the first space that visitors and guests see. It was designed to give the students a warm and inviting place to gather and eat. As such, students should respect the café and keep it clean. This means conducting oneself in an appropriate manner and caring for this very visible part of the school environment by doing such things as throwing away trash.

Hours of operation

The school building is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday-Friday. The first class starts at 8:15 am every morning, and school ends at 3:05 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays, 3:30 pm on Wednesdays and 3:50 pm on Mondays and Thursdays.  

Computer Access

SLA course work is largely computer-based.  Teacher's, however, make sure that students are able to complete assignments on paper if necessary.  If a student has a broken laptop or otherwise does not have access to a computer they are still responsible for all classwork.

Students who do not have access to the internet at home can download assignments at school before going home and upload them when they return to school the next day. 

Plagiarism and Academic Integrity

Students are expected to maintain academic honesty and integrity at all times. Plagiarism policies will be set by classroom teachers and will be carefully explained so that plagiarism can be avoided and students can shine through completing original work.

* The total number of credits must meet or exceed 23.5 credits.

* One elective must be in math or science, so that the total number of math and science credits total a minimum of seven.

* One History credit must be in African-American History.

* All students at SLA must complete the Wednesdays @ The Franklin course in the 9th grade.

* All students at SLA must complete their ILPs in 10th and 11th grades.

* All students at SLA must complete their four year advisories.

* All students at SLA must complete a Capstone project.

(For more information on the School District of Philadelphia graduation policies, please see the SDP Promotion and Graduation pages.)

Appearance Guidelines

SLA students must dress respectfully and the school uniform is a white lab coat.  Students are expected to purchase their lab coat on the first day of school. Lab coats will be worn during the school day. While students can put personal touches on their lab coats, we ask that they respect the uniform and the school community, and are appropriate in their consideration of decorations. Students can always speak to a faculty member to gauge whether a certain personal touch is appropriate. Students who inappropriately adorn their coats may need to purchase a new one. Students are expected to be dressed respectfully, simply, neatly, and modestly in clothing suitable for school.

Science Leadership Academy

Student/Parent Handbook

A Note to the Parents and Guardians

The purpose of this handbook is to inform parents and students about the practical aspects of life at the Science Leadership Academy (SLA).  In addition, there are many people at SLA who are prepared to help make the high school experience as powerful and enriching an experience as possible for students and their families. We look forward to getting to know you and your children. Additional information about the school can be found on our website: http://www.scienceleadership.org, and if you have any more questions after reading this document, please feel free to call the school at 215-979-5620.

Table of Contents:

Mission Statement

School Information

Hours of operation

Class Schedule

Transportation

Absentee Policy

Leaving the Building

Weather emergencies

Marking Periods

Code of Conduct

Classroom Policies

Appearance Guidelines

Chewing Gum

The Café

Personal Electronic Devices

Acceptable Use Policy

SLA Portal

Advisory

Assessment at SLA

Graduation Standards

Plagiarism and Academic Integrity

Contact Info
 

Marking Periods

SLA follows the School District of Philadelphia high school calendar for marking periods. Please note: SLA students may remain in classes on days when other School District of Philadelphia schools have an early dismissal for staff development afternoons. (See Class Schedule)   Please refer to the SLA calendar for more information.

Weather emergencies

SLA is a School District of Philadelphia school and operates the same as other Philadelphia public and charter schools do. Please listen to your local news stations, or go online to www.kyw1060.com or www.phila.k12.pa.us to check for school closings due to inclement weather or weather emergencies.

SLA’s school code is 2650.

Leaving the Building

Students may leave the building during the school day only with permission obtained from Principal Chris Lehmann. A student seeking permission to leave the campus during the school day should bring a note from home signed by her or his parent/guardian stating the reason for the request.

If students know that they will be missing a class due to an unavoidable absence, they need to let their teachers know one day ahead of time. Students are responsible for making up any work from classes missed. 

Students are reminded that they are officially present in school each morning when they swipe in on ScholarChip and are obligated to stay in the building from that point forward.  On Wednesday afternoons, 9th grade students must stay in the building before being escorted to the Franklin Institute.  

Transportation

The following buses and trains stop near the building at 55 N. 22nd Street: SEPTA Routes 7, 33, 38, 48 and Green Line trolleys. SEPTA Regional Rail lines stop at Suburban and 30th Street Stations. SLA students who live two miles away are eligible for a free SEPTA pass through the School District of Philadelphia transportation policy.

Class Schedule

SLA’s class schedule is rather unique. Classes meet for 65 minutes four times a week at different times during the day. Classes meet during the letter bands, for example a student might have English during A Band. The class period schedule is as follows:

All 9th Graders take The Franklin Institute Course from 1:30 - 3:45 on Wednesdays. All 10th - 12th Graders are involved in their Independent Learning Plan / Internships from 1:30 - 3:45 on Wednesdays.

Teachers are in Faculty Workshops from 1:45 - 3:15 every Wednesday.

Please note: SLA students may remain in classes, have activities at the Franklin Institute or have Independent Learning Program obligations on days when other School District of Philadelphia schools have an early dismissal for staff development afternoons. Please refer to the SLA calendar for more information.