Harrisburg Academy Photo #5 - Our Lower School students perform for Harrisburg Academy's annual Grandparents & Special Friends Day!

Harrisburg Academy

Harrisburg Academy is the area`s only independent, non-sectarian, co-educational day serving students from age three to twelfth grade.
We are proud to offer the International Baccalaureate Program, which is widely considered the world`s premier academic curriculum.
The International Baccalaureate Program challenges our students to think for themselves and take responsibility for their learning as they explore local and global issues and opportunties in real-life contexts. Harrisburg Academy's small classes sizes create the perfect environment for our faculty and staff to make sure each student is seen, known, and celebrated as they reach their full potential.
We meet each student where they are academically and emotionally as we provide a personal focus.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked PA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 356 students
  • Acceptance rate: 71%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Harrisburg Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Student Body

Total Students
356 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
22%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Harrisburg Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
15 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
IB Biology HL, IB Chemistry SL, IB Computer Science SL/HL, IB English SL/HL, IB French SL, IB History of the Americas HL, IB Information Technology in a Global Society SL, IB Mathematics SL/HL, IB Mathematics Studies SL, IB Music SL/HL, IB Physics SL/HL, IB Psychology SL, IB Spanish ab initio SL, IB Spanish SL, IB Theory of Knowledge, IB Visual Arts SL/HL
Average SAT score
1290
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
27
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Academy logoed collared shirts, denim on Friday

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies by division and grade level ($15,805 to $23,235)
% on Financial Aid
35%
Acceptance Rate
71%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
David Bechtel

Sports

Total Sports Offered
7 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
12 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Band, Chorus, Drama, Model UN, National Honor Society, Newspaper, Orchestra, Quiz Bowl, Student Council, Technology Club, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Musical

School Notes

  • In 1784, Harrisburg Academy was founded in a small room along the shores of the Susquehanna River. From our humble beginnings, Harrisburg Academy is the area`s only independent, non-sectarian, co-educational day school serving students from age three to twelfth grade. As a forward-thinking, inclusive institution, we usher visionary graduates into our local and global communities.
  • 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.
  • Diversity Statement: A community enriched by its diversity, affords every member equal respect-and provides an environment for appreciating our differences as well as our similarities.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate of Harrisburg Academy?
The acceptance rate of Harrisburg Academy is 71%, which is lower than the national average of 87%. Harrisburg Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Pennsylvania with low acceptance rates.
Does Harrisburg Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Harrisburg Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Harrisburg Academy offer?
Harrisburg Academy offers 7 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Fencing, Golf, Soccer, Swimming and Tennis.
What is Harrisburg Academy's ranking?
Harrisburg Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Harrisburg Academy?
The application deadline for Harrisburg Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (6 reviews)
5  
We chose the Academy for its college prep focus and lack of religious affiliation, and we are so happy with the choice for our middle school student. The small class sizes and welcoming K-12 community are great. He is being challenged and engaged with foreign languages, math, history, drama, literature and writing, and science. The school is always striving to be even better--this fall brought a new eighth grade science curriculum, music suite, and fencing club. And he is happy to go to school every day.
- Posted by
5  
The teachers are excellent, extremely caring, and appreciate the uniqueness of each student. The same can be said for the school's administrators and principals - their commitment to educating the whole child is clear with every decision, every newsletter, and every event. The curriculum is challenging and also highly rewarding, and the importance of including classes in music, art, foreign languages (including Latin), gym, and computers is never overlooked. Numerous extracurricular activities are offered, from sports to science clubs to drama to Model United Nations - there is truly much to be gained for any child that attends this school.
- Posted by
5  
The academic program really seem to push the kids and get them well ready for college. Music and Art programs are very strong and my son loves gym every day. Spanish teacher is 2nd to none. I love the small class size (around 16) and the staff is great to deal with when you have any concerns. I''m happy to see what they are offered for lunch and to drink. Not what's quick, easy or popular, healthy wins out.
- Posted by
5  
The benefits of a Harrisburg Academy education are too numerous for one note - art, Spanish, band, & orchestra to name a few. It is this type of education that enables a well-rounded mind and attitude, which is a necessity in a shrinking global economy and world. We also love the smaller class size and the attention that each student receives, allowing a student-teacher relationship that focuses on growing each individual student and not just teaching to a test.
- Posted by
5  
We chose Harrisburg Academy for the small class size and diversity among the student body. The rigorous academics challenge them and the individual attention available from their amazing teachers helps them succeed. Our children are very involved in the Music and Theater programs at the school. The small school size offers more opportunity to participate. We love the culture of the school, one that fosters community involvement and encourages volunteerism.
- Posted by
5  
I continue to be impressed -even after four years now- with the level of intensity and passion the teachers, faculty, and parents all put forth toward making the Academy more than a school. It is a community of both academic and social students, of adults and young alike that are all striving to be more than just part of this world, but to make the world and themselves better, more involved, more accountable. I am honored that my daughter can be a part of this Academy Family.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked PA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 356 students
  • Acceptance rate: 71%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Pennsylvania is $11,330 for elementary schools and $16,981 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Pennsylvania is 87% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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