The Academy at Palumbo was originally an elementary school in 1930, before converting to a high school on September 12, 2006.
The mission of The Academy at Palumbo is to academically prepare students through critical thinking, problem solving, and technological skills. This high school aims to protect and serve their students regardless of race, color, or gender.
Since September 2006, the school has operated as a college preparatory magnet high school within the School District of Philadelphia. In 2010, 1750 students applied for admission, with 700 accepted and 190 matriculating. About 49% of the students are African-American. 91% of graduates began studying at four-year colleges or universities, 8% went to two-year colleges, and 1% began serving in the military.[2]
The Academy at Palumbo offers the following extracurricular activities and sports teams:[3]
Asian Culture Club โข Chaotic Step Team โข Chess Club โข Community Service Club โข Debate/Speech Club โข Drama Club โข Fiber Arts Club โข Griffin Ambassadors โข GSA โข Jazz Band โข Journalism โข Math Team โข Multicultural Club โข Palumbo and Villanova Exchange โข Poetry Club โข Robotics โข Rock Band โข Student Government โข Students Run Philly Style
Badminton โข Baseball โข BasketballโBoysโ and Girlsโ โข Crew โข Cross-Country โข Football โข Golf โข LacrosseโBoysโ and Girlsโ โข SoccerโBoysโ and Girlsโ โข Softball โข Swimming โข Track and FieldโBoysโ and Girlsโ โข VolleyballโBoysโ and Girlsโ โข Wrestling
The school also provides an opportunity to enroll in a dual enrollment program with Arcadia University.
The Women's volleyball team had success in 2019.[4]