Naturally, many questions will arise throughout the admission process. We’ve listed some of the most frequently asked questions below. For other questions or to speak with the Admission Office, please reach us by phone (717-763-7811 x313) or email). We also recommend you complete the online inquiry form and our Admission Office will contact you.
How old does my child have to be for admission to Harrisburg Academy?
Harrisburg Academy begins with a preschool program – Harrisburg Academy Threes (HATS). If your child will be 3 years old by September 1, 2012, you may submit an application for admission to either the full-time or part-time HATS classes for the 2012-13 school year. Students who will be turning 3 years old during September 2012 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We take into account other factors, besides age, before admitting a child to HATS. Students are not guaranteed admission to HATS based upon age requirements alone. New student applications to Junior Kindergarten (JK) or Kindergarten for the coming 2012-13 school year must 4 or 5 (respectively) by September 1, 2012.
Do you have an after-school program or vacation coverage?
Harrisburg Academy offers before- and after-school care for all students in the Early Childhood program (HATS, JK, and Kindergarten) and Lower School (Grades 1 through 4), plus an after-school program for Middle School students. There is no charge for before-school, which starts at 7:30 AM. Fees for Lower School after-school depend on use. The Middle School Homework Club currently carries an annual registration fee of $75 but no additional costs based upon usage. The Academy also offers extended coverage for students in HATS through Grade 4 during some holidays and all teacher in-service days. Harrisburg Academy’s summer camp program is available during the summer break on a part-time or full-time basis.
What are your application and testing deadlines for 2012-13?
December 12, 2011, is the postmark deadline for Admission Applications for JK, Kindergarten and Grade 1 for Fall 2012. February 16, 2012, is the postmark deadline for Admission Applications for students applying to HATS, Grades 2-12 and International Students for Fall 2012. Admission testing for JK/K/1 and HATS Play Dates will be held on Saturdays in February, March, and April. Admission testing for applicants to grades 2-12 will be scheduled in addition to their “shadow” visit day. Because Harrisburg Academy usually has new students at all grade levels, we will accept applications throughout the entire year on a “rolling admission” basis. However, the best time to submit an admission application is before the deadlines. Classes may fill with these “first round” applicants. If so, qualified students are placed in a wait pool until space becomes available. We do accept applications up to two years in advance of the time your child would begin school.
Can my child get transportation to Harrisburg Academy?
Public school districts are required by law to provide free transportation for school-age children to private schools within a 10-mile radius of the school. Currently, the following public school districts provide busing to the Academy:
Central Dauphin Lower Dauphin Steelton-Highspire
Cumberland Valley Middletown Susquehanna Township
East Pennsboro Mechanicsburg Susquenita
Harrisburg City Northern York County West Shore
While students traveling from outside those districts generally rely on family carpooling, Academy-operated bus transportation is available for a fee to and from Carlisle/Mechanicsburg. In 2012-13 we will also have one-way (morning) service from Hershey/Hummelstown. Other Academy-operated bus routes may be provided on an as-needed basis for selected geographies, and may change annually. Students in HATS and JK cannot ride the public school bus. However, students in all grades, HATS through 12, can ride the Academy-operated bus routes.
