The Parsons Health Career Academy At A Glance Philosophy Parsons Health Careers Academy (PHCA) will provide a comprehensive college preparatory education for 10th-12th grade students, with an emphasis on preparing them for future careers in health sciences. PHCA will accomplish this mission by exposing students early on to the diverse opportunities offered by the health science field through a specialized curriculum, laboratory based research and internships at area colleges and health centers. PHCA will be a local public school of choice that is open to all students and that does not charge tuition. PHCA Academic Program Features: • Tuition free education. • High student academic standards. • Small, supportive and personalized learning environment. • Interdisciplinary and hands-on learning approach. • Specialized curriculum in health sciences. • Emphasis on application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation skills. • Laboratory and research based learning. • Awareness and commitment to community and society. • Leadership and life skills. • Parent involvement in educational process. Program Overview/Curriculum Our educational vision for our students consists of providing a comprehensive and supportive college preparatory environment that fulfills the following standards: • Exceed all Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) requirements. • Individualized curriculum. • Emphasis on high student achievement standards based on core subject tests, completion of research projects, class/community participation, standardized tests, attendance, and maintenance of a “portfolio" containing select class assignments, tests, and other records. • “Back to Basics" Program to equip students with a solid foundation in literacy and math. • A specialized curriculum in the health sciences during junior and senior year. • Seminars by guest lecturers from area universities and health care centers. • Various internship opportunities for 11th-12th grade students during the Summer Program. • “Senior Project" within the health sciences track in order to refine problem solving and analytical skills. Teacher/Student Ratios Our goal is to provide students with a small, supportive environment. Class sizes will be maintained at an average ratio of 15:1 (Student:Teacher). Staffing/Faculty All teachers will be highly qualified and are required to have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and State of Kansas Teacher License. PHCA Calendar Academic year: August-June (187 days) Summer Program: July-August (Paid internships at area agencies and hospitals) PHCA Hours School day: 8:00 a.m.-3:10 p.m. Entrance Requirements/Admissions As a public charter high school, PHCA is open to all interested Parsons-area students.  Once students submit their application they are placed into a random selection process. Tuition & Fees PHCA provides a tuition free education to all students who reside in the Parsons area. * PHCA will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or other school-administered programs.