Achievement House Cyber Charter School gets new principal

Principal Neal Thomas began as a teacher for the cyber school

UPPER UWCHLAN » Achievement House Cyber Charter School announced that longtime teacher, Neal Thomas, has been promoted from within to fill the open role as the new high school principal in the 2017-18 school year.

Thomas, of Lancaster County, began teaching health sciences and physical education at Achievement House in 2010. During his time at Achievement House, Thomas served as a lead teacher and department head, taking on additional responsibilities outside the virtual classroom. He said he was drawn to teaching in cyber schools because he liked the innovative approach to online education. In 2005, cyber schools were very new in Pennsylvania and he liked the idea of being on the cutting edge of the evolution of education.

“Achievement House has grown so much since I began teaching here, and I have watched my career grow with it,” Thomas said.

Achievement House officials said the cyber school in Exton offers a variety of programs for gifted students, and also provides substantial support for those who come to the school behind grade levels. In his new role, Thomas looks forward to growing those programs and implement new ways that students can reach their individual academic goals.

“I believe that in an administrative role, I will be able to help the school continue to evolve and renew my focus on providing teachers, staff and families with resources for success,” Thomas said.

Thomas received a B.S. in kinesiology from West Chester University and is working towards his master’s in mid-level science from Wilkes University. He is also certified to teach technology for students in grades K-12.

“We are very excited to bring Neal Thomas on as part of our administrative team, as he has served the school as a classroom teacher in so many ways and can bring valuable insight from the perspective of a classroom teacher,” said Don Asplen, CEO of Achievement House Cyber Charter School.

Former principal Dr. Mark Slider left the school in August.

“With the start of the school year earlier this month, the goal was to fill the post with a person that could immediately jump

into the cyber world and understand the challenges we face, but also who understands the culture and environment at AHCCS,” Asplen said. “While we conducted an outside search, promoting from within and providing career advancement opportunities is integral to the

culture at the school.”

As a former health sciences and physical education teacher, Thomas is already familiar with many of the students enrolled in all grades. Achievement House serves roughly 600 students from across the state in grades 7-12.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Achievement House Cyber Charter School in Exton announced that longtime teacher, Neal Thomas, has been promoted from within to fill the open role as the high school principal.