Academic Team
The Academic Team competes in fast-paced knowledge tournaments in local matches against teams in the Chester County league. During competitions, teams answer questions in categories including American and world history, science, literature, current events, geography, fine arts, and more. The top team from Chester County advances to the state championships, held every spring on the floor of the Pennsylvania Senate and broadcast statewide. Phoenixville Area High School will field both JV and varsity teams in this year’s competition and expects to distinguish itself in this prestigious competition. The Pennsylvania Academic Competition annually awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to championship teams.
Advisor: Mr. Sprenkle
Air Force JROTC
Welcome to Phoenixville Area High School Air Force Junior ROTC! PA-20142 Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) Group was established at Phoenixville Area High School in the fall of 2014 by an agreement between the Phoenixville Area School District and the United States Air Force.
The AFJROTC curriculum includes aerospace science and leadership training. Cadet Officers and Noncommissioned Officers learn leadership and management skills by actively planning, organizing, and directing all activities associated within the PA-20142 AFJROTC Squadron. In essence, our Junior ROTC program is designed to provide young men and women the opportunity to develop and hone leadership and management skills through hands-on experience.
While it may appear that JROTC programs are designed to serve as a transition to or potentially a recruiting mechanism for military service; the national program, founded in 1912 actually was not designed to this end. The original program philosophy, which we hold still today, is simply to provide a structured and disciplined program to aid young men and women in reaching their full potential as adults and citizens of our nation. Regardless of whether our students enter the military, our success is measured in the overall development and growth of our cadets.
Advisors: Lt. Col. Baldi
Astronomy Club
The Astronomy Club is for students interested in observational astronomy. The club arranges 2-3 Star Night events in both the fall and the spring. During the Star Night events, we utilize our two telescopes to view the night sky on the upper turf. Students will learn how to use telescopes with and without tracking devices to observe features of the night sky. The club will be meeting one Friday per month with the time and location to be determined and communicated at the previous meeting.
Advisor: Mr. Jock
Chester County Futures
Chester County Futures: Open Enrollment for 9th grade: The Chester County Futures Passport to College program is an academic enrichment program for high school students in Oxford, Phoenixville, Kennett, and Coatesville Area High Schools. Chester County Futures equips and empowers our students for academic and career success through after-school classes, real-world learning opportunities, and increased access to technology. We enroll for this program in the 9th grade and the once a week meetings are virtual at this time.
After-School Academic Enrichment Classes: Passport to College offers weekly academic enrichment classes conveniently held (virtually) in area high schools. It is our one-to-one academic advisory sessions between students and staff that creates a relationship of trust and encouragement and enables our students to remain focused on their goals. Our curriculum includes activities and discussions on relevant, grade-appropriate topics, such as study skills, financial literacy, communication and collaboration, SAT prep, college selection and application, Mentor Matching, FAFSA support, and career exploration.
Real World Learning Opportunities: Students experience a wide variety of learning opportunities that not only develop life and career skills, but also adds value in the competitive college application process. We offer learning opportunities, such as: corporate site visits and workshops, community volunteerism projects, Futures College and Career Expo, and college tours and workshops.
Increased Access to Technology: To support our student's academic success, the following is provided:
• Refurbished laptops for high school juniors and seniors
• New Laptops for college freshman
• Other necessary tools, such as USB drives and calculators
More information and to apply on their website.
Contact Program Advocate:
Mary Williams or 610-850-3068
Destinations with Direction
DWD is a program designed to increase awareness and motivate high-potential, economically disadvantaged students to pursue opportunities in higher education. The 30 students selected for DWD annually receive additional supports including extended school days, counseling, college mentors, tutors, weekly workshops and college tours. Additionally, school personnel establish relationships with the appropriate college level officials to help match student needs with resources and services available to assist them on this journey. By giving the students these additional supports, they will become empowered to pursue a college education. This effort will make our students believe in the importance of a college education and give them the confidence to know they have a realistic chance at becoming college graduates.
Advisor: Mrs. Lewis
Debate Club
Advisor: Mr. McAndrew
Educators Rising Club
Educators Rising is cultivating a new generation of highly skilled educators by guiding young people on a path from high school through college and into their teaching careers. By working with aspiring educators who reflect the demographics of their communities and who are passionate about serving those communities through public education, Educators Rising is changing the face of teaching. In the club, we will work with our community to try out teaching techniques, do observations, come up with (and execute) programs to learn about the field of education, and work toward the National Conference and Competitions.
Advisor: Ms. Ehrenzeller