Co-curricular activities allow for self expression and exercise the brain in areas beyond those used for core academic subjects. Students build meaningful relationships with their teammates, coaches, and audiences (parents, teachers, and peers).

The co-curricular activities that we offer at Harrisburg Academy are intended to educate the whole child and support our mission: to offer an academically challenging and globally minded liberal arts education that encourages each student to reach his or her full potential. When students feel comfortable within their academic community, they have fewer inhibitions and ask more questions. Consequently, more learning occurs.

Many Academy students choose to play on an athletic team. You can tell what days the basketball teams have a game: the boys dress in shirts and ties and the girls wear their team jerseys. Athletics provides an opportunity to build peer relationships and bonds among students and their coaches. New this spring is a swimming club program at the JCC for grades 2-8. Middle School cross country was so popular this past fall that we are working to offer it again in the spring. Youth lacrosse will be offered again for grades 4-6. Students in both Middle and Upper schools participate in Ski Club.

Please visit our athletics page for details on Middle School and Upper School sports.

We offer musical electives – chorus, band, and orchestra – during the regular school day. These activities draw a large percentage of our students. Concerts are held year-long and include an Upper School Composers Concert highlighting students in our Music and Theory class. This spring, the Middle School chorus will perform a mini-musical, Aladdin. Many of our Upper School students qualify for county and district chorus, band, and orchestra, and some reach the regional and state levels.

Drama is offered as an elective in the Middle School and as a club in the Upper School. Students in grades 9-12 also can choose stage crew. Every Friday, during Middle School morning meetings, students in grades 5-8 can display their talents on Open Stage.

Even fifth graders, the youngest members of our Middle school community, feel comfortable enough to perform in front of their peers. Upper School students have an opportunity to showcase their talents at our annual Academic Fair.

The intimate size of our school allows student interest to feed club offerings. A group of seventh graders formed a club called “Gems Not Genocide” to raise funds for the people of Darfur through the sale of their own handmade jewelry and baked goods.

Both Middle and Upper schools have student newspapers, and Upper School students produce and publish the Spectator yearbook every year. Student Councils in both schools govern and make decisions regarding student activities.

Upper School students also participate in Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Outdoor Club, Quiz Bowl, Student Environmental Advocates, Diversity Club, Technology Club, Pirate Club, British Royal Navy Club, and National Honor Society. Students serve as peer tutors, teacher assistants, and Open House guides. An annual canoe trip on the Juniata River kicks off the school year.