Alternative Rehabilitation Communities, is a private non-profit corporation, authorized by the Department of Public Welfare and the Department of Education to render rehabilitation and educational service to juveniles and their families.
We provide a full continuum of services from Intake and Assessment to Secure for court adjudicated youth.
ARC's services are provided in Pennsylvania, with one male residential program located in Lancaster for Intake and Assessment four male residential programs located in Harrisburg, Lebanon, and Lancaster; one female residential program located in Carlisle; one male residential special needs program for mental health issues located in York; one male residential special needs program for sex offenders located in Harrisburg; one male residential for youth with language & culture issues located in York; one secure treatment program located in Chambersburg; one foster care program; an alternative education program with the Harrisburg School District; and aftercare/outreach service.
These programs are teaching students to make good decisions in order to become responsible citizens.
ARC views rehabilitation as a journey, not a destination, a process, and not a goal.
The process we are teaching them is basically the same as our parents taught us: maintaining a positive attitude during the bad times as well as the good; respect for ourselves and others; and having the courage to accept life's challenges while keeping our goals in focus.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 117 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
Student Body
Total Students
117 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
56%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Alternative Rehabilitation Com often compared to?
Alternative Rehabilitation Com is often viewed alongside schools like Harborcreek Youth Services by visitors of our site.
When is the application deadline for Alternative Rehabilitation Com?
The application deadline for Alternative Rehabilitation Com is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Alternative Rehabilitation Com located?
Alternative Rehabilitation Com is located in the Uptown neighborhood of Harrisburg, PA. There are 3 other private schools located in Uptown.
School Reviews
Endorse Alternative Rehabilitation Com. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony
A musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

A Roadmap For Starting A Private School
Use this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.

December 31, 2024
The Spectrum of Islamic Education: From Secular to OrthodoxThis article explores the importance of Islamic K-12 education in today's secular society, providing a roadmap for parents to nurture their children's faith and academic success. Through a question-and-answer format between a parent and an imam, it addresses key aspects such as the types of Islamic education available, when to start, and how to balance religious and secular learning. The essay emphasizes the spiritual and moral benefits of instilling Islamic values in young people, offering practical advice and inspiration for families seeking to raise well-rounded and faithful individuals.