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Phoenix Academy

Phoenix Academy helps students catch up. With a small, supportive setting, our school offers accelerated middle and high school tracks where your student can earn credits approximately twice as fast as they can at a traditional school. Phoenix Academy is a tuition-free school of choice focused on academic success, emotional wellness, and social growth.

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School Info

Address

630 Rockland Street
Lancaster, PA 17602

Hours
Mon – Fri 7:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Grades
7-12

Phone
1-717-735-7860

District
Lancaster SD

  • School Calendar

    Learn more about important dates on our 2025-2026 school year calendar.
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With smaller class sizes and a more personal setting than traditional middle and high schools can provide, Phoenix Academy works in partnership with the School District of Lancaster to help students who aren’t reaching their full potential—or are behind in credits—catch up.

Relationships are at the heart of our school. We get to know each student to identify their individual needs, challenges, and strengths, and then provide the care, counseling, and support needed to help them succeed in school—and in life.

Our tuition-free, school of choice provides an environment that values respect, teamwork, and high standards, and helps your student feel safe, seen, and supported.

Phoenix Academy provides students and families with:

    • Academic rigor through data-driven instruction
    • Smaller classroom environments
    • Life skills development
    • Opportunities to foster social skills
    • An optional Extended Day STEAM Program

By recognizing the unique value and talent of each student, building strong relationships with them and their families, and celebrating their daily successes, we help students who haven’t been able to participate in a regular classroom setting thrive at school, at home, and in their communities.

Related services offered at this school include credit recovery and Act 158 hours tailored to student needs.

Discover What Sets Phoenix Academy Apart

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Our Learning Pathways

  • Accelerated: Credit Recovery and Graduation Readiness

    Accelerated: Credit Recovery and Graduation Readiness

    Students We Serve

    • Over-age or under-credited students at risk of dropping out of high school

    • Learners who have experienced chronic absences or academic disruption

    • Students motivated to catch up and graduate but in need of structured academic planning

    • Youth exploring post-secondary options who benefit from individualized guidance and support

    Alternative Education Student Profiles
  • Academic and Behavioral Support

    Academic and Behavioral Support

    We cultivate learning environments where instruction aligns with industry standards and district-specific curriculum requirements and ongoing support encourages prosocial behavior inside and outside the classroom.

  • Graduation and Postsecondary Readiness

    Graduation and Postsecondary Readiness

    No matter where a student’s unique learning journey leads, SESI helps prepare them for the next step—whether that’s graduation, vocational school, or job training.

  • Credit Recovery and Grade Advancement

    Credit Recovery and Grade Advancement

    We offer dedicated programs to help students earn credits at an accelerated pace—almost twice as fast as in traditional classrooms. This proven approach helps close grade-level gaps and keep students on track for graduation.

  • Individualized Student Support

    Individualized Student Support

    We are passionate about fostering all facets of growth—academic, behavioral, and emotional—ensuring students are nurtured as a whole person and develop the skills they need to achieve rewarding futures.

Meet Our Team

With deep experience and dedication to helping all students discover their full potential, our leaders provide an unwavering commitment to supporting our teachers, therapists, and other staff while fostering relationships with families and district partners.

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  • Joseph serves as executive director of Phoenix Academy in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He brings over 25 years of experience working with students grades K-12. Joseph holds a degree in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice from East Stroudsburg University. He has been a dedicated leader within SESI for 13 years, serving in various roles at multiple locations.

    Joseph’s work is deeply student-centered, driven by a passion for helping young people uncover their potential and achieve goals they may not have believed possible. His leadership is marked by compassion, high expectations, and a commitment to creating environments where students, staff, and families feel seen, supported, and empowered.

What People Are Saying

Across our schools and programs, we’re proud to partner with families, educators, and district leaders to support student success. Hear firsthand how our collaborative approach, experienced staff, and commitment to individualized education are making a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.

  • Communication with partner districts is excellent.

    The school exemplifies strong leadership and a commitment to excellence in education. The administration fosters a supportive and dynamic environment, ensuring that students and staff are well-supported. Their communication with partner districts is excellent, promoting effective collaboration and ensuring that every student’s needs are met. The school’s IEP writing process is thorough, with clear and actionable feedback that directly contributes to student growth. The school consistently delivers strong results, with students achieving their academic and behavioral goals.

    Andrew M. | Vice Principal
View All SESI Testimonials

Events & Stories

  • Articles
    School Events and Stories
    Student Spotlight

    Student Spotlight: Marcos Mercedes Carmona of Phoenix Academy
    At just 18, Marcos Mercedes Carmona has already shown remarkable determination to succeed. A recent graduate of Phoenix Academy, Carmona…
    January 16, 2025

Resources

  • Articles

    Mel’s Progress at the High Road School of Hartford
    After two and a half years at the High Road School of Hartford, 14-year-old Mel is preparing to transition to a…
  • News

    SPECIALIZED EDUCATION SERVICES, INC. ANNOUNCES 2025 TEACHER AND STAFF OF THE YEAR WINNERS
    Fourth annual awards program celebrates team members’ dedication to students in special and alternative education settings PHILADELPHIA, May 29, 2025…
  • News

    Small Change, Big Impact: How Buehrle Students Turned Pennies into Possibility for Autism Awareness Month
    Every month, students at Buehrle Academy take on a new challenge not for grades, but for good. Students are invited to participate…

FAQ’s

  • SESI schools serve students with a wide range of special education needs, including emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning challenges. We support students who need a more structured, individualized educational environment to succeed. Our schools are designed to help K–12 students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) reach their academic, social, and emotional goals through personalized instruction, positive behavior supports, and a safe, supportive setting.

  • Parents can expect a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment where their child’s individual needs are understood and addressed. SESI schools partner closely with families and school districts to provide customized academic instruction, behavior support, and related services. Regular communication, goal setting, and progress monitoring ensure that families stay informed and engaged in their child’s success.

  • The next step is to contact us to schedule a tour of our school. This will give you the opportunity to meet our team, explore our facilities, and learn more about how we can support your child.

Contact Phoenix Academy