Academics
Lower School
Lower School solidifies the foundation for lifelong learning.
As a globally focused school, we teach children in 1st through 5th grade to care about other people and the world in which we live. We strive to help children belong and contribute to this global group.
Our teachers pay close attention to their students on an individual basis and build strong positive relationships with them. In each grade, parents can expect a curriculum appropriate to their child’s growth and development in a school community that offers something more and different. The educational program is further enhanced by physical education, library, computer science, fine and performing arts, and Spanish. An after-school program and summer day camp are also available. The Academy’s environment for learning is a joyful, active one.
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In the Classroom
Responsive Classroom
Students start each day with a Morning Meeting in which they circle up, greet one another, share, listen, and learn to ask questions appropriately. We find that what students learn in Morning Meeting transfers to the hallways, the playground, and beyond. Academic choice is an integral part of Responsive Classroom®, where children learn best by making choices about what they’re learning. -
Primary Years Programme
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Programme is a curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 12. The PYP transdisciplinary framework focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both at school and beyond. Informed by research into how students learn, how educators teach, and the principles and practice of effective assessment, the program places a powerful emphasis on inquiry-based learning. Click here to learn more about the program.
Harrisburg Academy is a Candidate School* for the Primary Years Programme. Harrisburg Academy is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Harrisburg Academy believes is important for our students.
*Only schools authorized by the IB organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org. -
Science & Technology
Hands-on lab science experiences are designed to motivate and increase student interest and ability, and introduce them to new concepts. We enjoy activities that can be replicated or expanded upon at home, which keeps science and science exploration well within the reach of each child. In technology, EC/LS students are learning to navigate computer programs that increase their skill level and expand on ideas that are being taught in the classroom. For example, technology supports the study of germs (in science class) and the Pennsylvania scrapbook project (in social studies). -
Lower School Orchestra
In 1st through 5th grade, students have the opportunity to audition for the Lower School Orchestra, which meets twice per week, immediately after school. -
Tuition & Before/After Care
The Academy strives to remain competitive in an ever-changing economy. We understand that your day does not always start at 8 a.m. and end at 2:45 p.m. which is why we have an Extended Day Program (EDP) for before and after-school care. Early drop-off will begin at 7 a.m. for Lower School, and after-school coverage continues until 5:30 p.m. Families can choose to pay $10 per day as needed for before and after-school care, or full-year EDP is available at a discounted rate. Need-based financial aid is available for students in 1st-12th grade. Click for full information on tuition and the admission process.
