Can any student attend York Academy Regional Charter School?
Yes, children from any district may apply to attend York Academy. Each grade is filled with a specific number of students, selected by lottery. Priority is given to children from the three chartering districts (Central York, York City and York Suburban), but if available openings are not filled by these students, children from other districts in the state are offered admission. Any additional students are placed on a waiting list and parents are notified if openings become available. To be included in the lottery, families are encouraged to attend an Information Session in the winter months to learn about York Academy and tour the school(s). If you are interested in submitting an application for your child to attend the Academy, click here for more information. 

Is there a tuition fee to attend York Academy?
Since York Academy is a public, non-profit charter school, there is no tuition fee for students.

What grade levels do you serve?
Currently, students in kindergarten through 12th grade attend York Academy. Our first class of seniors will graduate in June 2022! Students in kindergarten through sixth grade attend the Lower School and students in grades seven and up go to the Upper School. 

What makes York Academy different from other public schools?
Funding for the school comes directly from the school district in which the student resides. Since York Academy was founded as a nonprofit organization, all incoming revenue is dedicated to the operation of our school. 

The York Academy offers challenging academics and unique art, theater and music opportunities that most traditional public schools cannot provide. We are also the only school in York County - and one of just two in the state - accredited to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years (K-6), Middle Years (grades 7 - 10) and Diploma Programme (grades 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.

Does York Academy offer gifted or special education services?
York Academy offers a program for students identified as gifted or talented. We do provide special education programs for students, however our programs are limited to students with mild handicaps. Those students with more severe handicaps are referred to the Lincoln Intermediate Unit.

How are charter schools funded?
Charter schools are funded through tuition payments made to the charter school for students who reside in an area school district. The tuition rate for our charter school is based upon the instructional expense that is calculated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Therefore, when a student begins attending school in Pennsylvania, the cost of their education (tuition rate) follows them no matter if they attend school within the school district where they live or at the York Academy. Watch this short video to learn more. 

 If you have additional questions, please contact us at (717) 801-3900 or [email protected]