About
Who We Are
Our Mission
Harrisburg Academy offers an academically challenging and globally minded interdisciplinary education. In our commitment to excellence, we provide tools, develop character, and teach skills that prepare students to thrive in college and beyond, thereby contributing to the betterment of our global and local communities.
OUR CORE VALUES
FAQs
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What grade levels does Harrisburg Academy serve?
Harrisburg Academy provides a full-continuum International Baccalaureate education for students from age 3 through Grade 12.
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What is the mission of Harrisburg Academy?
The Academy’s mission is to deliver an academically challenging and globally minded education that equips students with the skills, character, and confidence to thrive in college and life.
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What are the admission requirements for Early Childhood programs?
Admission to Preschool is based on readiness, developmental factors and bathroom independence, with students typically age 3 turning 4 during the school year. Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten applicants are usually 4 or 5 by the start of school.
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Does Harrisburg Academy provide before- and after-school care?
Yes. Early Childhood and Lower School students may arrive as early as 7:00 a.m. and stay until 5:30 p.m. Middle School students have before-school supervision beginning at 7:30 a.m., and an after-school study club is available until 5:30 p.m.
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Are there programs available during school breaks?
The Extended Day Program provides full-day care during select breaks in the school year, excluding federal holidays. In addition, summer programs and mini-camps are available through Spartan Summer Camp.
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What enrichment opportunities are available after school?
Fee-based enrichment classes are offered for students age 3 through Grade 8 in areas such as art, music, coding, innovation, and homework support.
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How does the school integrate arts and physical education into the curriculum?
Harrisburg Academy emphasizes the arts, music, language, and physical education, or PIAA athletics, across all grade levels as essential parts of a well-rounded education.
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What fine and performing arts opportunities are available?
Students participate in music, art, drama, and performance from the earliest grades through Upper School. Programs include violin, chorus, orchestra, drama, stagecraft, and a full spring musical.
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What distinguishes the Upper School experience?
Upper School students have access to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, a robust core curriculum, electives in science, arts, and innovation, as well as leadership and global learning opportunities.
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What extracurricular activities are offered?
Clubs and activities include Student Council, National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl, Literary Magazine, Multicultural Club, musical ensembles, and opportunities for students to access additional offerings or create their own clubs.
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How does Harrisburg Academy support college preparation?
College counseling begins in Grade 8 as students transition from Middle School. Students and families receive personalized guidance throughout their four years of Upper School.
Our Focus
In every division from Early Childhood through Upper School, we seek to know each child — his or her motivations, passions, and aspirations. To that end, our focus has to be, and is, on the “whole child” and his or her academic, emotional, and social development. By understanding who each child is, we are best able to attune our instruction to help each child become more analytical, creative and innovative, and most importantly, to think critically.
The highly regarded and successful mentoring of Upper School high school students by our faculty extends this kind of attention in a most age-appropriate manner. Our methods, as well as our school mission, are directed at this one philosophical tenet which guides Academy policies in every area. Be sure to read our Community Compact, as well, which serves as a three-way mutual agreement -- between teachers, students, and parents -- to uphold the guiding principles of our school.
Diversity Statement
Our approach to diversity is simple: it’s about embracing everyone. Together with students, faculty, staff, administrators, families, alumni, and the entire Academy community, we fully embrace a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging. For the 2023-2024 school year, 37% of Harrisburg Academy students identify as Black/African American, Latinx/Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, or two or more races. We have an active International student program and many of our students speak more than one language in their home and family environment. We are proud to foster an inclusive, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural environment that celebrates and teaches the importance of acceptance, diversity and educational opportunities to explore every person, every culture, and every family, with exploration and respect. That is what connects us and makes us an Academy Community.
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