The Medical Academy Charter School, 330 Howertown Road, now in its third year, continues to tweak its academic program.

Medical Academy board President Dr. Craig Haytmanek and Principal Joanna Hughes provided an update on the status of the school at the Nov. 10 Catasauqua Area School Board meeting.

"We continue to function," Haytmanek told the school board.

To date, 252 students are enrolled in the charter school. The majority of those students come from the Allentown School District.

Haytmanek said in addition to academic classroom work, students at the school are sent out to various medical offices in the Lehigh Valley to gain hands-on experience.

Weekly dissections of different animal and human organs, facilitated by Haytmanek and visiting medical professionals, are conducted weekly for the students, he said.

The school currently is looking into beginning a Certified Nursing Assistant licensing program as well.

"A number of our students will not only graduate with a high school diploma, but a CNA license," Haytmanek said.

The school, Hughes said, is encouraging students to take charge of their academic classes and success.

Recent state scores have been low, she said.

"Unfortunately, they are what they are, but we're working very hard to increase them," Hughes said.

Board member Duane Deitrich asked Hughes what steps the school is taking to address the low state test scores.

According to Hughes, the school is utilizing computer-based test preparation programs. It has also added a ninth-period class and is encouraging parents to get involved with their children's academic program.

"It is problematic, but we continue to strive," she said.

The first group of students will graduate June 2015.

The school's charter is coming up for renewal next year, board President Penny Hahn noted during the meeting. As the original charter was approved by the Catasauqua School Board, the charter school must show the school board it is meeting the standards set when the charter was approved.