Classes start on August 27
Open Enrollment Underway PreK-Grade 12 at Region’s Only International Baccalaureate School
WORMLEYSBURG, Pa. – Harrisburg Academy (HA) students head back to the classroom on August 27 as the school marks its 240th Anniversary. Founded in 1784 by John Harris, Harrisburg Academy is one of only three Pennsylvania Full Continuum International Baccalaureate Pre-K to Grade 12 schools. HA offers the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) – the only such school in Central Pennsylvania and one of just 2% of schools in the United States. It is the nation’s oldest, private, independent co-ed school of its kind.
Designed as a comprehensive curriculum from ages 3 through 18, the International Baccalaureate is unique because of its academic rigor, commitment to developing a global perspective, teaching young people how to think critically and work collaboratively to solve problems, while building personal and interpersonal skills. Students are challenged to complete the components of the IB Core, a rigorous extended essay, and an independently designed and implemented service project, and take the IB exams. Upon completion of these core components and a passing IB exam score, students receive an IB Diploma which is formally recognized and highly valued at more than 1,800 institutions worldwide. Acceptance rates of IB graduates at Ivy League colleges outstrip their peers.
“We are thrilled to launch our 240th year of academic excellence! From preschool to high school graduation, Harrisburg Academy students stand out as innovative global citizens who boldly undertake leadership responsibilities and charitable initiatives to make the world a better, safer, and more welcoming place for all. Our students are seen, known, and celebrated at the Academy. Our school offers small class sizes and big opportunities, and we are proud of that,” said Adrian Allan, Head of School, Harrisburg Academy.
NEW IN FALL 2024
Harrisburg Academy celebrates 240 years of leading education in Harrisburg and plans a series of events and updates to mark the milestone, including:
A new, multi-faceted approach to education and discussion around the use of technology and its effects on students’ mental health and well-being. Faculty will read and discuss three selected books on the concepts and feature a three-part Speaker Series in Fall/Winter 2024 and Spring 2025 – open to faculty, students and their families and in collaboration with other regional educators and schools. Issues to be discussed include best practices in tech and social media and their effects on students in and outside the classroom.
A new “maker space” in the Middle and Upper School, for student-led projects to enhance learning and creativity. The space will include 3-D printers, laser cutters and robotics equipment, STEAM-technology and design lab essentials, and crafting and apparel equipment for creating Academy-branded items for school clubs and extracurricular activities.
A redesigned cafeteria, the “Gallery,” a transformative space for school-wide activities. New convertible tables with stools enable the space to be used for project exhibitions, after-school programs and clubs, and school community events.
Head of Middle and Upper Schools Lindsay Bowman and four Academy students recently returned from a successful two-week educational and cultural exchange program in China. Students travelled to four cities and participated in cultural exchange sessions and a Canal Cities Model United Nations summit with counterparts from two Chinese schools. It’s the Academy’s second recent visit to China. Last year, Allan and Bowman each presented in the 2023 Principals’ International Symposium at the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT). Ranked among the top 20 universities in China, BIT is widely considered to be one of the best engineering universities in Beijing.
A bold new strategic plan whose elements position the Academy for growth, innovation, and stronger community partnerships that advance student learning in entrepreneurship and technology, while uplifting local and global communities through student-driven philanthropic endeavors.
A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) as cornerstones of learning at the Academy where every student belongs in a culture that welcomes and nurtures individual whole-child, student-focused learning.
Highlights of An International Baccalaureate Education: Child-Focused, Bold Learning:
- Cultivates thoughtful, globally minded students who welcome our multicultural student population.
Student commitment to service benefits the community and helps to prepare them to meet the entrepreneurial challenges of the future. - Strong focus on experiential and hands-on learning leads to more engagement and motivation for students.
- Internationally recognized as a top-tier education.
- Nurtures student growth, discovery, independence and entrepreneurship.
- Comparing the last five years of matriculations at Harrisburg Academy with Top 150 colleges and universities on Forbes 2023 list of “America’s Top Colleges,” Harrisburg Academy students were accepted to 26 of those top colleges in those five years.
For more information on Harrisburg Academy and the Full IB Continuum School, and to arrange a visit or to enroll, please visit: www.HarrisburgAcademy.org.
Harrisburg Academy’s Mission:
Harrisburg Academy is Pennsylvania’s only Full International Baccalaureate Continuum School offering an academically challenging and globally minded interdisciplinary education to students from preschool to Grade 12. 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.
Media Contacts:
Lucy Gnazzo
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717-979-0692
Nell McCormack Abom
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717-514-6301