Where can your child learn Spanish, compose music, enjoy extracurriculars like coding and kindness club, and participate in programs of education that can lead them to some of the highest-ranking universities worldwide? The answer is York Academy Regional Charter School, located in York’s beautifully renovated downtown business district.
York Academy is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, and is one of nearly 5,000 schools across the globe to offer IB programmes, with their challenging academics and emphasis on students’ personal development. IB students are:
- Inspired to think independently and drive their own learning
- Encouraged to become more culturally aware through the development of a second language
- Able to engage with people in an increasingly globalized, rapidly changing world
Why IB?
- Graduates of the IB Diploma Programme are extremely well-prepared to excel in college. They often have higher university and college acceptance rates than other applicants.
- IB teaching methods and curricula are researched based and draw on the best practices from educational systems around the world.
- IB World Schools encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners.
What makes York Academy Different?
York Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school that offers the IB Primary Years (PYP) for grades K-5 and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 6 – 10. Currently, the York Academy Upper School is a candidate school* for the Diploma Programme for grades 11 and 12. The Academy is a unique alternative where students thrive and take responsibility for their learning in a caring environment.
Spanish Language Instruction Begins in Kindergarten
Spanish is taught in an energetic, supportive learning environment that teaches vocabulary and conversation skills and encourages cultural exploration. It becomes a major subject in sixth grade.
Instrumental Music & Modern Music Programs
Students learn an instrument in fourth grade and receive instruction during the school day. In fifth grade, they can choose to play the electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboard or drums via the Modern Music Program. The students perform, write, and record their own music with the help of music educators who are also professional musicians.
Drama Program
In a partnership with Weary Arts Group, students express themselves through dance, monologues, scenes, and improv. There are numerous performing opportunities including talent showcases, plays and an annual musical.
Specials and Extracurricular Programs
York Academy provides a rich schedule of “specials” - Spanish, art, music, drama and physical education –to educate the whole child. In the IB framework, these subjects are considered major subjects and are treated with the same importance. Extracurriculars like Lego Land club, cheer club, iPad club, DIY club, and basketball further contribute to our well-rounded students.
School Uniforms
School uniforms have been proven to promote a safe and healthy learning environment, boost school spirit, encourage self-expression, and make morning routines easier!
Downtown York Location:
The school’s downtown York location provides additional learning opportunities for all students - from field trips to the Appell Center for the Performing Arts and local museums - to swimming lessons at the YMCA and cooking classes at Central Market. These experiences strengthen the ties between York Academy and the City of York and help our students to understand their roles as local citizens.
York Academy is enrolling students in kindergarten through 11th grade from Monday, February 3 through Friday, March 13. Parents may apply online at www.yorkacademy.com/admissions.
Apply for the 2020-21 School Year - Open enrollment is coming soon! Watch www.yorkacademy.com/admissions or email Kim Brenner-Zirkle at info@yorkarcs.org to receive an email notification when the online application is live.
Each grade is filled with a certain number of seats, selected by lottery. Children from any district may apply, however, priority is given to students from the three chartering districts: Central York, York City, and York Suburban. If all seats are not filled by students from the chartering districts, open seats are made available to applicants from other districts throughout the state. Currently, York Academy students represent 14 school districts across York County.
Families are invited to attend an upcoming Open House Information Session. York Academy will provide an overview of the IB curriculum, outline student and parent expectations, explain the admissions/lottery process and offer tours. Registration is not necessary and children are welcome. Please attend a session that corresponds with the grade level your child will be entering in August 2020.
Upper School Open House (Grades 7-11)
2 Hamilton Avenue, York
January 29 at 6 p.m.
Lower School Open House (Grades K-6)
32 W. North Street, York
February 1 at 11 a.m.
February 6 at 6 p.m.
Can’t make it? Come tour the Lower School on Wednesday, February 12 at 9 a.m., 12 p.m. or 6 p.m. The Upper School will offer a tour on Thursday, February 13 at 1 p.m.
For more information, please contact York Academy at info@yorkarcs.org. You may also call the Lower School at (717) 801-3900 or the Upper School at (717) 900-5001.
*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.
