At Harrisburg Academy, we know that the best educational environment is one in which individuals feel safe – socially, emotionally, and physically. Therefore, we are committed to supporting all of our students and ensuring each student has a safe environment in which to learn.

Harrisburg Academy stresses a team approach to supporting our students. Our Learning Support Liaison and School Counselor work with classroom teachers, advisors, division heads, and parents to develop strategies to meet the academic and emotional needs of all Academy students.

In the Lower School, the teacher is primarily responsible for both the academic and social needs of students. The teacher, using the The Responsive Classroom® model as well as the services of available counselors, fosters social-emotional development by integrating social skills acquisition throughout the curriculum and by providing appropriate time during the class day to address any issues that may arise.

In the Middle and Upper School, the teacher is the first point of contact with a parent when an issue arises within an individual classroom setting. In addition, all Middle and Upper School students are assigned to faculty advisors who serve as both mentors and advocates as they monitor and guide the students’ overall experience at the Academy.

In their role as advisors, Middle School homeroom teachers work hand-in-hand with the school counselor to conduct advisor classes one period each six-day cycle. Advisor classes focus on the unique social-emotional development of early adolescents, and include topics such as self-esteem, self-expression, decision making, stress and time management, mediation, and team building. In addition, Middle School teachers hold weekly team meetings to discuss curriculum, schedules, and individual student issues.

Upper School students meet with their faculty advisors once per cycle.

Academic and Emotional Support

Through our admission process, the Academy’s admission committee strives to determine not only a child’s eligibility for admission, but also his or her potential for success within the Academy’s challenging liberal arts program. We recognize that our academic expectations can be especially challenging for students entering, and in some instances, progressing through our academic program. For this reason, and in keeping with our mission, we offer academic learning support to students on a limited, priority-of-needs basis.

Teachers, advisors, division heads, parents, and the Learning Support Liaison work as a team to develop and implement strategies to meet the student’s academic needs. These strategies may include modifying classroom and homework, working with an in-house tutor, or developing an educational assistance plan for the student.

In some instances, students may need emotional support to overcome particularly challenging academic or social circumstances. Our School Counselor is the primary coordinator of the social and emotional support services provided by the Academy. Students referred to the School Counselor are evaluated to determine the individual’s specific needs. Parents who believe their children may need an evaluation by the School Counselor should contact Dr. Thomas Banks, Head of Middle and Upper School, or Kevin Muirhead, Ed.M., Head of Lower School to discuss a referral.

Both our Learning Support Liaison and School Counselor may also coordinate the staff services provided to the Academy by the Capitol Area Intermediate Unit (CAIU). The CAIU provides student support according to Pennsylvania Act 89, governing services for students needing support but who do not qualify for special needs services.

If a student’s academic or emotional needs require more than the remedial, short-term support offered at the Academy, it may be appropriate and, therefore, recommended that the family seek support services through outside agencies. Should a student continue to have difficulty meeting academic expectations or his/her emotional well-being remain at risk, we may need to reevaluate the appropriateness of the student’s placement at Harrisburg Academy.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Thomas Banks, Head of Upper School

Kevin Muirhead, Ed.M., Head of Lower School

Jennifer Klemunes, Head of Middle School

Virginia Leary Getz, School Counselor