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Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School

Public, Charter, Virtual, Alternative Grades K-12
933rd
SchoolDigger Rank ?
of 1,511 Pennsylvania Alternative Schools
Better than 38% of Pennsylvania alternative schools
Summary

Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School is a virtual public charter school serving grades K-12 in West Chester, PA, with a total enrollment of 3,173 students. While the school has a solid 87.9% four-year graduation rate and a low 1.4% dropout rate, its academic performance lags behind the state average, particularly in Math and English Language Arts.

The school's Math proficiency rates across all grade levels are consistently lower than the state average, ranging from 25.3% in 8th grade to 49.3% in 3rd grade. However, the school performs better in Science, with a proficiency rate of 74.4% in 2023-2024, exceeding the state average of 65.8%. Compared to nearby schools with high percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, such as Mastery Cs-Hardy Williams, Penn Wood 9th Grade Academy, and Collegium Charter School, Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School generally performs better. However, the school underperforms compared to other virtual charter schools in the area, such as Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School and Agora Cyber Charter School, which have higher test scores and graduation rates.

The school's high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch (43.74% in 2023-2024) may be a contributing factor to its lower academic performance, as socioeconomic status is often correlated with educational outcomes. Additionally, the school's transition to a virtual format may also be a factor, as virtual learning can present unique challenges for some students. Despite these challenges, Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School appears to be providing a valuable educational option for its students, as evidenced by its relatively low dropout rate and strong performance in Science.

2,874
Students ?
11.3
Student/teacher ratio ?
$18,202
Per pupil spending ?
48.3%
Free/discounted lunch ?
 1332 Enterprise Dr
       West Chester, PA  19380

(610) 701-3333

District: Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School

Racial breakdown:

White:
57.6%
African American:
16.9%
Hispanic:
9.4%
more
 See top rated Pennsylvania elementary schools

 Compare Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School to nearby alternative schools!
At a glance
▼ Ranking trend: Declining — 65th percentile in 2022 → 48th in 2025
Strengths
✓Small classes — about 11 students per teacher
Worth a look
!Graduation rate below the Pennsylvania average (77% vs 89%)
!Ranking has slipped — down 17 percentile points since 2022
!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing
Students meeting standards (2024-2025) ?
This school45%
Pennsylvania avg46%
Elementary school
933rd of 1,511
Pennsylvania public elementary schools ?
Bottom 38%▲ up 21 pts since 2015
From bottom 17% (2015) to bottom 38% (2025)
See the entire ranking list of Pennsylvania Elementary Schools →
★★★★★
SchoolDigger rating ?
Middle school
354th of 873
Pennsylvania public middle schools ?
Top 41%▲ up 21 pts since 2015
From bottom 39% (2015) to top 41% (2025)
See the entire ranking list of Pennsylvania Middle Schools →
★★★★★
SchoolDigger rating ?
High school
352nd of 681
Pennsylvania public high schools ?
Bottom 48%▲ up 16 pts since 2015
From bottom 32% (2015) to bottom 48% (2025)
See the entire ranking list of Pennsylvania High Schools →
★★★★★
SchoolDigger rating ?
Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)
Elementary school ranking
Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202542.6933 of 151138.3%★★☆☆☆
202446.7916 of 152640.0%★★☆☆☆
202354.9788 of 153448.6%★★☆☆☆
202256.2764 of 153450.2%★★★☆☆
202167.8476 of 143366.8%★★★☆☆
201934.51115 of 154427.8%★☆☆☆☆
201830.41151 of 153024.8%★☆☆☆☆
201725.41206 of 154722.0%★☆☆☆☆
201624.21225 of 155421.2%★☆☆☆☆
201516.71224 of 147417.0%★☆☆☆☆
201230.81290 of 159919.3%★☆☆☆☆
201122.11379 of 159713.7%★☆☆☆☆
201026.31326 of 157916.0%★☆☆☆☆
200913.91400 of 15499.6%☆☆☆☆☆
200825.21302 of 155116.1%★☆☆☆☆
200712.91407 of 15559.5%☆☆☆☆☆
200627.81274 of 154517.5%★☆☆☆☆

African American

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202532.9276 of 41333.2%★★☆☆☆
202447.9203 of 43753.5%★★★☆☆
202364.4114 of 43773.9%★★★★☆

Asian

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202523.7122 of 15119.2%★☆☆☆☆
202430.4126 of 16825.0%★☆☆☆☆
202324.5126 of 16021.3%★☆☆☆☆

Disabled

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202560.3308 of 103070.1%★★★★☆
202459.6365 of 108466.3%★★★☆☆
202341.1595 of 104343.0%★★☆☆☆

Female

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202537.7966 of 146634.1%★★☆☆☆
202445.9900 of 148839.5%★★☆☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202529.31016 of 136925.8%★☆☆☆☆
202433.01043 of 143227.2%★☆☆☆☆
202347.1820 of 141442.0%★★☆☆☆

Male

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202546.0840 of 147543.1%★★☆☆☆
202446.4900 of 149539.8%★★☆☆☆

White

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202534.7853 of 120129.0%★☆☆☆☆
202434.5891 of 122927.5%★☆☆☆☆
202348.4663 of 123646.4%★★☆☆☆
Middle school ranking
Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202558.5354 of 87359.5%★★★☆☆
202465.3311 of 89165.1%★★★☆☆
202369.9249 of 89372.1%★★★★☆
202268.6256 of 88371.0%★★★★☆
202172.7177 of 79777.8%★★★★☆
201953.9452 of 89149.3%★★☆☆☆
201854.0442 of 86148.7%★★☆☆☆
201748.3490 of 87744.1%★★☆☆☆
201640.9551 of 87036.7%★★☆☆☆
201544.0511 of 83538.8%★★☆☆☆
201248.0540 of 83435.3%★★☆☆☆
201134.8635 of 82523.0%★☆☆☆☆
201030.5646 of 80519.8%★☆☆☆☆
200930.8610 of 77020.8%★☆☆☆☆
200836.4559 of 75325.8%★☆☆☆☆
200722.5624 of 74916.7%★☆☆☆☆
200629.3587 of 73620.2%★☆☆☆☆

African American

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202548.8165 of 39358.0%★★★☆☆
202456.1143 of 40865.0%★★★☆☆
202368.987 of 42179.3%★★★★☆

Asian

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202521.6116 of 13815.9%★☆☆☆☆
202433.2102 of 14529.7%★★☆☆☆
202325.9116 of 14419.4%★☆☆☆☆

Disabled

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202585.944 of 64393.2%★★★★★
202485.748 of 67292.9%★★★★★
202379.261 of 66090.8%★★★★★

Female

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202552.2400 of 83552.1%★★★☆☆
202461.5319 of 86062.9%★★★☆☆

Hispanic

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202556.5119 of 34865.8%★★★☆☆
202455.2137 of 36262.2%★★★☆☆
202364.797 of 36273.2%★★★★☆

Low Socio Economic Status

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202538.6524 of 84337.8%★★☆☆☆
202450.6433 of 87750.6%★★★☆☆
202358.3330 of 87462.2%★★★☆☆

Male

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202561.8280 of 83966.6%★★★☆☆
202466.2282 of 87067.6%★★★☆☆

Multi-racial

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202555.671 of 17459.2%★★★☆☆
202462.870 of 19964.8%★★★☆☆

White

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202556.6238 of 64963.3%★★★☆☆
202464.4200 of 67370.3%★★★★☆
202371.1156 of 68177.1%★★★★☆
High school ranking
Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202553.5352 of 68148.3%★★☆☆☆
202456.1331 of 68651.7%★★★☆☆
202364.1260 of 67461.4%★★★☆☆
202267.7220 of 63465.3%★★★☆☆
202165.8228 of 53757.5%★★★☆☆
201949.9433 of 69337.5%★★☆☆☆
201846.3457 of 67332.1%★★☆☆☆
201737.3485 of 66326.8%★☆☆☆☆
201647.2454 of 67732.9%★★☆☆☆
201544.8459 of 68032.5%★★☆☆☆
201231.5527 of 66420.6%★☆☆☆☆
201135.2519 of 66021.4%★☆☆☆☆
201028.0537 of 64917.3%★☆☆☆☆
200920.9551 of 63212.8%★☆☆☆☆
200819.7548 of 62111.8%★☆☆☆☆
200714.6550 of 61510.6%★☆☆☆☆
200618.1542 of 60410.3%★☆☆☆☆

African American

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202551.6121 of 27656.2%★★★☆☆
202454.4119 of 28458.1%★★★☆☆
202354.2109 of 26058.1%★★★☆☆

Asian

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202521.8102 of 12518.4%★☆☆☆☆
202431.794 of 12122.3%★☆☆☆☆
202334.477 of 11231.3%★★☆☆☆

Disabled

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202572.095 of 52481.9%★★★★☆
202465.0127 of 51375.2%★★★★☆
202361.6146 of 50270.9%★★★★☆

Female

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202555.2334 of 65749.2%★★☆☆☆
202455.2335 of 66549.6%★★★☆☆

Hispanic

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202565.693 of 28767.6%★★★☆☆
202461.491 of 27466.8%★★★☆☆
202355.7114 of 25254.8%★★★☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202538.1424 of 65134.9%★★☆☆☆
202456.6289 of 66456.5%★★★☆☆
202352.5327 of 65249.8%★★★☆☆

Male

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202548.7370 of 66043.9%★★☆☆☆
202453.4331 of 66250.0%★★★☆☆

Multi-racial

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202550.181 of 16550.9%★★★☆☆
202461.159 of 15060.7%★★★☆☆
202360.456 of 12956.6%★★★☆☆

White

YearAvg scoreStatewide rankPennsylvania percentileRating
202549.7299 of 58348.7%★★☆☆☆
202448.2321 of 59546.1%★★☆☆☆
202364.3202 of 57765.0%★★★☆☆
How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)
Elementary school
Disabled (2025)70th percentile+32 vs school
Male (2025)43rd percentile+5 vs school
Female (2025)34th percentile-4 vs school
African American (2025)33rd percentile-5 vs school
White (2025)29th percentile-9 vs school
Low Socio Economic Status (2025)26th percentile-12 vs school
Asian (2025)19th percentile-19 vs school
Middle school
Disabled (2025)93rd percentile+34 vs school
Male (2025)67th percentile+7 vs school
Hispanic (2025)66th percentile+6 vs school
White (2025)63rd percentile+4 vs school
Multi-racial (2025)59th percentile~ school
African American (2025)58th percentile~ school
Female (2025)52nd percentile-7 vs school
Low Socio Economic Status (2025)38th percentile-22 vs school
Asian (2025)16th percentile-44 vs school
High school
Disabled (2025)82nd percentile+34 vs school
Hispanic (2025)68th percentile+19 vs school
African American (2025)56th percentile+8 vs school
Multi-racial (2025)51st percentile+3 vs school
Female (2025)49th percentile~ school
White (2025)49th percentile~ school
Male (2025)44th percentile-4 vs school
Low Socio Economic Status (2025)35th percentile-13 vs school
Asian (2025)18th percentile-30 vs school
By subject vs Pennsylvania (2024-2025) ?
Literature64%~ state avg
Biology52%+3 vs state
English Language Arts48%~ state avg
Algebra I37%-7 vs state
Math32%-9 vs state

5.0
9 ratings · 9 written reviews
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What people are saying
by a parent
Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Open Quote BEST decision we've EVER made for our child's academic and performing arts education! More importantly, our child really likes this school and never wants to return to any other school setting despite the challenging format of the curriculum. He is especially fond of PA Leadership's Center for Performing and Fine Arts (CPFA). Since being at CPFA, a snow day is more of an aggravation than a celebration; he doesn't like to miss a day! As a parent, we like PALCS/CPFA because it allows us to be involved in our child's academics. We now know what's going on with his studies! We see what he's learning on a daily basis instead of blindly waiting to hear what teachers have to say during conferences. Also, we are practically giddy over the fact that we can communicate with our son's teachers anytime during the day via email or even at our convenience during evening hours. Lastly, the school's "homework help" program is like none I'd ever seen. We don't have to pay for outside tutors because PALCS teachers are available to assist during most evening hours including Sundays. I'm so glad we found PALCS and CPFA! So glad! Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, August 8, 2014

Open Quote Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School continues to provide a positive learning environment for both of my children. They began attending this school while they were in Middle School. Now, as high schoolers, both my son and daughter have found the teachers to be very supportive, encouraging, and academically engaging. An added benefit to this school is that it offers two other programs which have met the educational needs of my children. The Center for Performing and Fine Arts Program has allowed my son and daughter to develop their music and art abilities, while The University Scholars Program has positively challenged them academically. As a family, we feel blessed to be a part of this progressive and outstanding educational community. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, August 1, 2014

Open Quote Our children were not being challenged in their home district, so we looked for an alternative option for their education. PALCS is a unique program, offers challenges, but with solid support to help the student achieve their personal best. The flexibility of this cyber education has opened many opportunities to our family that we could not have explored if our children were in a traditional school. Thanks to all of the teachers, support staff, & administration at PALCS for providing our children with a high quality education option in PA! Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, July 31, 2014

Open Quote We will be starting our 11th year here in September. We couldn't be happier with the education. Everyone from administration to teachers to students services are wonderful. Great group of parents and kids, too. Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, July 31, 2014

Open Quote My children love the school. The teachers are all fabulous and dedicated. Moving to PALCS was the best decision for our family. Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, July 31, 2014

Open Quote My daughter enrolled in PALCS and CPFA last year (7th grade) and she was very happy with the curriculum and enjoyed attending online courses and the loved the center of performing and fine arts program. she completed the year with high honors (advanced courses) and was able to take multiple languages. My son was fascinated with the arts that he decided to attend both PACLS and CPFA as well.

I was able to follow the progress on a daily basis and get faster feed back than brick and mortar public schools and felt more connected even though I work full time. My daughter required little assistance from me and always kept up with her work. I enjoyed the year tremendously with her. The teachers have always responded quickly to my questions/concerns, etc. Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, July 31, 2014

Open Quote Our family has been part of PA Leadership Charter School since 2006 and our four sons have received a very good quality education here. We have experienced all grades from 1 through 12, many multiple times. The school has gone through growing opportunities through the years (as it should) and only gets better. The teachers are very caring and available for support when needed. When questions arise during lessons, they have been responsive and return calls in a timely manner when we've had to leave a phone message. Online live chats are available for all classes. The school has a great parent support network available for all facilitators if they choose to take advantage of it. Blended options (onsite and at home education) is an added benefit for some students. These blended options include the Center for Performing and Fine Arts, an excellent onsite program that is located in West Chester where three of our sons have had the opportunity to learn from highly qualified and caring teachers of the arts including acting, fine arts, instrumental and vocal music and dance. This has been an amazing supplement to the cyber-based academics that are required of all students. Another of our sons has had the privilege of studying in the University Scholars Program, another excellent on-site opportunity in West Chester which provides an amazing educational and social environment for gifted students to be appropriately challenged in their education by highly qualified teachers. We couldn't ask for a better educational option for our children. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Open Quote The University Scholars Program at PALCS is outstanding! We have been there for nine years and all three of my children have gone through the program with great success. The teachers are wonderful, class sizes are low and the fellow students are great. A very encouraging environment that celebrates students of all learning styles and embraces them. Could not recommend them highly enough! Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Open Quote Our seventh grade son transferred to PALCS at the start of the 2011-2012 school year. He attends the University Scholars Program for gifted students. Our son participates in the cyber blended option. Therefore, he works from home some days and attends a center based program in West Chester other days. He had an excellent experience and will continue in this program next year. The experience was so positive for our family, that our other son is transferring into the University Scholars cyber blended program at PALCS for eleventh grade in the 2012-2013 school year. Close Quote




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Frequently Asked Questions about Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School

Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School ranks 933rd of 1511 Pennsylvania alternative schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

In the 2024-25 school year, 2,874 students attended Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School.

Students at Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School are 58% White, 17% African American, 9% Hispanic, 9% Asian, 7% Two or more races.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.




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