Harrisburg Academy will welcome students back to campus on Tuesday, August 26, marking its 241st year of delivering exceptional, student-centered education in Central Pennsylvania. Starting at age three in Preschool and continuing through 12th Grade, Harrisburg Academy, the regions only co-educational International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum World School, blends a rich tradition of academic excellence with a bold commitment to innovation for all ages.
Expanded STEAM and Robotics for Youngest Learners
This year, Harrisburg Academy is proud to add a major focus on early childhood cutting-edge learning and innovation by expanding its STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and robotics programs to reach its youngest learners. For the first time, students aged three through kindergarten will engage in hands-on, inquiry-based experiences designed to spark creativity, build critical thinking skills, and promote early collaboration. These foundational learning opportunities cultivate curiosity and set the stage for a lifelong passion for discovery and innovation.
Championing Experiential Learning
Addressing the widespread challenge of student disengagement, especially as children grow older, the Academy is deepening its foundation in experiential learning. This approach goes beyond traditional “learning by doing”— it’s about connecting classroom concepts to real-world problem-solving and meaningful experiences.
“At Harrisburg Academy, experiential learning drives student engagement. Our students feel empowered to solve problems, pursue their passions and take on leadership roles to make a difference locally and globally,” said Sarah Oatney-Weiler, Assistant Head of School and Head of Early Childhood and Lower School.
“We are proud to provide students with the tools and experiences they need to thrive in an ever-changing world,” said Adrian Allan, Head of School. “Our focus on international-mindedness, innovation, and student well-being remains at the core of everything we do.”
Tips for Engaging Your Child in Their Learning from Academy Educators
Academy educators recommend the following tips to help families support their children and nurture a love for learning at home and in the community.
- Notice your child’s interests: Pay attention to what your child is interested in to help them on their learning journey. Encourage curiosity by visiting the library, museums or historical sites related to their passions, and connecting them to experts, even family or neighbors.
- Foster discussion on topics that spark your child’s curiosity: Dive into your child’s favorite topics by researching together and developing insightful questions that you can ask them. Let your child teach you what they know!
- Create something together: Support creative projects on topics that intrigue your child. Let them take the lead while you follow and encourage them.
- Establish consistent routines now: Begin regular routines for meals, bedtime and waking up before school starts to help students get ready to learn.
- Set up quiet but inspiring learning areas at home: Designate a space for your child that is quiet and is equipped with their school supplies to spark creativity and encourage focused learning and homework completion.
- Provide downtime for rest and relaxation, including breaks from screen time: Recommend that your student take a break from social media and technology daily in preparation for limited cell phone use policies in classes or schools to foster greater focus and boost mental health.
- Mental health check in. Keep communication open with your child of any age on how they are feeling and address any anxiety leading up to the start of the school year, especially if your student is starting a new school or transitioning from elementary to middle school or middle to high school.
From a child’s first day of preschool to college-level coursework in the IB Diploma Programme — where experiential learning is a cornerstone — Harrisburg Academy offers a nurturing, globally focused environment for every stage of their educational journey.
Enrollment Still Open
Families interested in joining the Harrisburg Academy community for the 2025-26 academic year still have time—limited spots are available, and enrollment remains open on a rolling basis. Tours can be scheduled by contacting the Admissions Office at [email protected]. To learn more or schedule a tour, visit www.harrisburgacademy.org or call 717-763-7811.
Harrisburg Academy’s Mission
Harrisburg Academy is central Pennsylvania’s only International Baccalaureate Continuum School offering 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.
Media Contacts:
Lucy M. Gnazzo, 717-979-0692, [email protected]
Nell Abom, 717-514-6301, [email protected]