Academy at Palumbo

This school is a joke! The teachers at the school is top notch!! But the administration and the principal leaves something to be desired. Their reputation was built on teachers and staff coming from Central, to make a similar environment in South Philly. However, they have fallen short. My son graduated from Central many years ago, so I am very familiar of what Central has to offer. Central has built their own reputation which they can be proud of, however, Palumbo has not established their own reputation. Instead, they drill it into students that they are like Central's sister...please stop! Dr Chew is going to run the school into the ground. She doesn't have the support of her staff because she has no integrity. I hear from staff and my child, the inequity in the students, staff and it makes me sick. I've been there and have heard the snide comments Dr Chew makes about certain staff, students, etc. If it weren't for the awesome teaching staff, I would pull her out and report this school to the Board of Education. They don't encourage parent participation at all. If it weren't for the active Home & School Association, we wouldn't know anything! Keep watching!!
--Submitted by a parent

I'll be a junior this sept. and I feel really lucky that I chose to attend this school. All the teachers are very brilliant and fair and taught their students well. The students, though playful at times, are well disciplined and hard working. and I appreciate that the school is trying hard to give the students as much credits we need.
--Submitted by a student

I thought Academy@Palumbo was a school for kids that were striving to be the very best,and to get good grades,respect one another it turns out to be just another neighborhood school where the kids do whatever they want what a joke. My daughter wanted to be challenged so if she fails a test she can't makeup a test because her overall grades are well,but a failing child can do something they call recovery and the school will give them a chance bring their F's up to a C now how is that helping a child to learn. Other kids are really working hard for their grade while others are goofing off the classes need to be stricter and kids need to get their own grades instead of a teacher trying to ease them on by. Again this is supposed to be for smart kids,so what happened this does not need to be a magnet school.
--Submitted by a parent

I've went to this school for 3 years now and out of all my schools I'll say that this has been the one that pulls me closer into education. Next year will be my last and I hopefully hope that as each year goes Academy at Palumbo will grow stronger and stronger
--Submitted by a student

I am an very involved parent and this is my daughter Senior year. Academy overall is an excellent academic high school. The school is five years old and Dr. Chew(principal) is working very hard to make Academy a great school and become a pillar in South Philadelphia. I also want to fair and clear there needs to be some more work with social activities for the student ; a stronger participation from current parents and more discipline with the student body on the honor system.
--Submitted by a parent

this is the best school i have ever attended in my life,the teachers strive 4 us to push and push our selfs cause they know we have the potential to go 2 college graduate and make something of our lives in the future i look foward to graduating in 2013 with all my friends and teachers by our side.
--Submitted by a student

My son will be graduating in the Inaugural 2010 class and it has truly been a great 4 years for him. The teachers are very warm and caring and the work is definitely college preparatory.
--Submitted by a parent

The Academy at Palumbo is a fantastic school. Fabulous teachers a great principal and good kids too. My daughter is looking forward to another great year there!
--Submitted by a parent

The Academy at Palumbo is a 4 year old, college prep magnet high school in South Philadelphia. It is housed in a school building, but has undergone extensive renovations to make it quite safe, comfortable and pleasant. The principal, Dr. Chew, has the students as her #1 priority, that is evident. The student body is multicultural and from all walks of life. School spirit abounds, both with the students, the staff and the parents. I am quite happy that my daughter chose to begin her high school years at this wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent

The school needs to work on student discipline. Latenesses should lead to detentions and then suspensions. The teachers are wonderful. The school needs more parent involvement, home and school is very small and needs more support. Students should be required to join a club, this is supposed to be a college prep school, if the school is prepping for college, they need to work on interviews, resumes, college applications, and enhancing the student's profile.
--Submitted by a parent