Harrisburg Academy was the best choice for our daughter starting in Early Childhood. She started in the preschool class (then, and always in my mind, called HATS: Harrisburg Academy Threes) and is now in 6th grade. Our hope is that she will be a "Lifer" - a student who graduates with 15 years experience at the Academy. She specifically likes the lockers (even if she's not tall enough to use the top shelf), the hallway transitions (you can talk in the halls between classes), and the lunch portions (full squares of spanakopita) that started in Middle School last year. I like that the academics are challenging - it's not unusual for her to discuss homework and projects with her 9th and 12th grade cousins, and hold her own. She has choices in her electives that she Loves: art with the imaginative Mr. Copus, drama class starring Mrs. Haywood, and robotics with geeky Mr. Harding (all positive descriptions). Harrisburg Academy is going through the "growing pains" of change - with 235 years under our belts, it's hard not to see where improvements can be made. Building on the thriving addition of Dr. Abby Mahone as Head of Early Childhood and Lower School and the Assistant Head of School, faculty and staff are working more with what seems like more collaboration and appreciation than before. Transitioning with the new leadership this year in both Middle and Upper School Head of School, Mr. Murphy, as well as Head of Schools, Mr. Adrian Allan has already shown great promise in demonstrating accessibility to administration and forward momentum. Change is never easy, but it is most always necessary. Reinforcing already established paths to academic excellence, continuing to build on parent involvement and support, and cultivating community relationships will all be vital to the future success of our students. While it may not be the right choice for every family, this is where our daughter is thriving. Thank you for reading, read more

attended Harrisburg Academy from kindergarden thru 7th grade when the school was located in Harrisburg and then it moved to its present location...went overseas with family in january 1960...my experiences at the academy were not pleasant and am sure a great deal had to do with my molestation in 2nd grade by a senior male faculty member. Although other staff members were aware of this ,nothing was said or done,overtly to address this issue. As i age,I realize that regardless of the intellectual quality of my education,I still harbor much resentment toward the apparent intellectual elitism that this institution promotes. reading the two reviews on this school,am inclined to give much more credence to the young woman who was bullied and humiliated,than the person who had such a great time...and yes...i would dearly appreciate some redress on my particular situation,but find it extremely unlikely. read more

My son has attended Harrisburg Academy for 5 years. He is thriving! The academic standards are high but instructed in an environment which encourages the student to enjoy the learning process and develop a true passion and excitement for school. He is in Gym everyday and benefits tremendously from Spanish, Art, Science, Computers, Music and Chorus for several sessions each week in addition to his classroom instruction. The staff is dedicated and takes the time to get to know each student on an indivdual basis. The small environment promotes comraderie and partnership with teachers and administrators. The administrative heads of each of the schools (lower, middle, upper schools) are outside every morning greeting each student, monitoring their safety, and welcoming them to school. They know every single student's name and know their families. Priceless. read more

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. read more

Harrisburg Academy has been fabulous for my child. The early childhood program has wonderful curriculum with wonderful music, art, Spanish, science, phys Ed, library as specials that continue through to the upper school. The musicals are a highlight, and children of all ages can try many programs after school in the after care program. The class sizes are small and allow the children to explore interests they have and the amazing teachers teach with the child in mind. The cafeteria staff works magic and the meals are also included in tuition. My daughter loves going to school everyday and for that I am grateful. read more

I attended Harrisburg Academy from grade 5-9 and enjoyed the experience tremendously. Small class sizes, individualized attention, getting to know faculty and administration, strong academics and the opportunity to play a sport every season were huge benefits to my education while there. Life long friends and a love of learning were made in my time at the Academy. read more

We love Harrisburg Academy! My kids look forward to going to school every day. They love the teachers and their friends (special shout out to Mrs. Shover the AMAZING lower school science teacher!) and I love the close community, rigorous academics, and strong arts program. We are so glad that we chose the Academy and can't recommend it highly enough. read more

My daughter has been at the Academy since preschool. She loves it and she's thriving! We wanted a school with small class sizes that has a well-rounded program including sports and arts, and goes through 12th grade. The community of families is very friendly and welcoming. read more

Devoted and accomplished teachers, fantastic arts and music program from preschool through high school, excellent foreign language instruction, and a commitment to cultivating service and scholarship in its students through the unique IB curriculum. - Recommended! read more