Welcome to York Academy


York Academy Regional Charter School is a tuition-free, diverse public school of choice in downtown York, PA, and the region's only Baccalaureate (IB) World School. We provide a well-rounded, high-quality education that prepares students for college, careers, and life through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, a globally recognized and academically rigorous curriculum that develops critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness.

At York Academy, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our students engage in hands-on, inquiry-based projects, community service, and real-world learning experiences that make education meaningful and relevant. Our caring, highly qualified teachers inspire students to become confident, curious, and compassionate lifelong learners who think critically and respect different perspectives.

Beginning in kindergarten, students learn Spanish, which becomes a core subject by seventh grade. In our Upper School (grades 7–12), students take distinctive IB courses such as Design Technology and Theory of Knowledge, fostering creative problem-solving, reflection, and interdisciplinary learning, courses not offered in other York County schools.

York Academy also nurtures creativity through visual and performing arts program, clubs, and extracurricular activities. Our growing athletics program includes boys and girls basketball (grades 5–12) and girls volleyball, and students are also eligible to participate in sports offered by their home school districts.

We’re proud that nearly all York Academy graduates continue their education at top colleges and universities, including Georgetown University, University of Southern California, North Carolina State, Penn State, Virginia Tech, and Temple University. Many earn prestigious scholarships and academic honors, thanks to the IB Programme’s global reputation for rigor and excellence.

York Academy graduates leave as resilient, confident leaders, ready to make a difference in their communities and the world.

The York Academy is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. The IB curriculum is shared in over 5,000 schools globally in over 150 countries around the world. We are the only school in York County - and one of two in Pennsylvania - authorized to educate students through the IB Continuum. That includes the Primary Years Programme(K-6), Middle Years Programme (7-10) and Diploma Programme (11 & 12).

The Diploma Programme is respected and recognized among the world’s higher education institutions. For students, success in the IB often results in advanced standing, course credit, scholarships, and other admissions related benefits at many universities.

If you have not visited York Academy and are interested in a tour, please contact the Lower School at 717-801-3900 or the Upper School (grades 7-12) at 717-900-5001. You may also email us at [email protected].