Science Leadership Academy opened in 2006 and was founded by the school’s principal, Christopher Lehmann, and the board of the Franklin Institute. With only 500 students in the whole school, or 125 in each grade, admission to Science Leadership Academy is extremely selective. Each year an average of 1,200 students apply to SLA, of which only 10% are admitted. The students who are admitted, are very enthusiastic about project based learning. Although test scores are considered in the admissions process, they are not the deciding factor. Many students entering SLA have struggled with standardized tests in the past, and therefore are interested in SLA because of its unique project based learning mission. Most of the students who enroll at SLA have plans to one day attend college. Many students who have a sibling that previously attended or currently attends SLA also apply.
Science Leadership Academy is a magnet high school, whose focus on project and inquiry based learning creates a unique environment for student research, collaboration, and reflection. SLA educates students with a college-preparatory curriculum that emphasizes science, technology, math and entrepreneurship. And its partnership with the Franklin Institute provides internship opportunities for students to explore inquiry based science throughout the school year. Though the Institute As one walks the halls of the 4 story building located in Logan Square, they witness an open, friendly environment, where students and staff work together to create a positive and interactive learning experience for all students. A teacher explains that “the beauty of SLA is found in the willingness to allow students to investigate, question, and play an active role in their education”. She explains that “the founding principal, Chris Lehmann, has an open door policy, where students can feel free to walk in and chat whenever. At SLA, adults are much more than educators and kids are much more than students. We see one another as partners, mentors, and human beings with passions and goals to be explored.”
Science Leadership Academy is a magnet high school, whose focus on project and inquiry based learning creates a unique environment for student research, collaboration, and reflection. SLA educates students with a college-preparatory curriculum that emphasizes science, technology, math and entrepreneurship. And its partnership with the Franklin Institute provides internship opportunities for students to explore inquiry based science throughout the school year. Though the Institute As one walks the halls of the 4 story building located in Logan Square, they witness an open, friendly environment, where students and staff work together to create a positive and interactive learning experience for all students. A teacher explains that “the beauty of SLA is found in the willingness to allow students to investigate, question, and play an active role in their education”. She explains that “the founding principal, Chris Lehmann, has an open door policy, where students can feel free to walk in and chat whenever. At SLA, adults are much more than educators and kids are much more than students. We see one another as partners, mentors, and human beings with passions and goals to be explored.”
TEDxTalks. (2011, February 14). TEDxPhilly - Chris Lehmann - Education is broken [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS2IPfWZQM4.