Phoenixville, PA – The Renaissance Academy Charter School began its journey 20 years ago when doors opened to a kindergarten through eighth-grade program, serving approximately 560 students. The academy had its first class of graduating seniors in 2005, with 95% of those students attending college. Previously located on the University of Valley Forge campus, Renaissance Academy moved to its permanent campus in the Franklin Commons Complex in August 2015.
Flash forward 20 years. On August 21, 2019, the Renaissance Academy Charter School began classes for the 2019-2020 school year. The school now serves grades Kindergarten through 12th grade, with over 1060 students who come from more than 20 surrounding school districts.
Among the 144 faculty and staff members, Renaissance Academy has some new faces who joined the school personnel for 2019-2020. These include Erin DeWolf (Kindergarten Aide), Kristy Grace (Cafeteria Aide), Haley Hartman (Building Substitute Teacher), Jennifer Illig (Social Worker), Britney Passerini (Building Substitute Teacher), Katherine Santolla (MS & HS English Language Arts Teacher), Laura Vaughan (Special Education Teacher). Returning this year as a Long Term Substitute Middle School Counselor is Liz Winchester, as well as, Justin Lass who will be teaching high school social studies and extending assistance as a building substitute teacher.
Renaissance Academy (RA) will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary with a variety of activities throughout the year. This will include a 5K Color Run, a grand Gala, a 20th anniversary field day extravaganza, and more. Stephanie Funston, the smiling face in RA’s main office and parent of both a RA alumni and RA junior student, said that she’s looking forward to a very special 2019-2020 school year. “I always look forward to seeing all the students come back after summer. This being the 20th anniversary of the school promises to be a unique year with many fun surprises.”