WHO CAN ATTEND YORK ACADEMY?
Students from across Pennsylvania are welcome to apply to York Academy. We serve families from a wide range of communities and school districts. Available seats in each grade are filled through a lottery process where priority is given to siblings of current York Academy students. Once sibling placements have been made, remaining seats are filled through the lottery. Students who are not initially offered a seat are placed on a waiting list. As openings become available throughout the school year, families are contacted in waiting list order regarding enrollment opportunities.
While families may apply at any time, we strongly encourage submitting an application during the annual enrollment period in February and March. Applications received during this window are included in York Academy's annual lottery, which determines placement for the upcoming school year. Applications submitted after the lottery deadline are added to the waiting list in the order they are received. Learn more about the admissions process here.
WHAT MAKES YORK ACADEMY DIFFERENT?
York Academy is the only school in York County to offer the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Our students benefit from a challenging, globally focused education, personalized support from dedicated teachers, and a close-knit community that encourages academic excellence, leadership, service, and personal growth.
York Academy also does an exceptional job preparing students for success after graduation. The IB framework emphasizes critical thinking, research, communication, time management, and problem-solving skills, qualities that colleges and employers highly value. Universities around the world recognize the rigor of the IB Programme, and students who graduate from IB schools are often viewed as well-prepared, self-motivated learners ready to thrive in a college environment. As a result, York Academy graduates consistently earn admission to respected colleges and universities and are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in higher education and beyond.
Our commitment to college and career readiness extends far beyond the classroom. Through a comprehensive network of counselors, academic advisors, college planning resources, career exploration opportunities, college visits, scholarship support, and individualized guidance, students receive the tools and support they need to confidently pursue their goals. From exploring career pathways and selecting the right courses to navigating the college application and financial aid processes, York Academy's College & Career Readiness program helps students and families every step of the way. We invite you to explore our College and Career Readiness resources and discover how York Academy prepares students not just for graduation, but for lifelong success.
IS THERE A COST TO ATTEND YORK ACADEMY?
No, York Academy is tuition-free. As a public charter school, we are publicly funded and free for students to attend, just like traditional public schools.
DOES YORK ACADEMY PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION FOR ITS STUDENTS?
No, however most of our sending school districts do provide transportation to and from school. Find out more.
ARE MEALS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS AT YORK ACADEMY?
Yes! All York Academy students have access to nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost. Our Food Services Department is committed to supporting student health, wellness, and academic success by providing balanced meals that help students stay energized and focused throughout the school day. We believe that healthy students are better prepared to learn, grow, and thrive, which is why we are proud to offer free meals to all students.
WHAT ATHLETIC OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YORK ACADEMY STUDENTS?
York Academy's athletics program is small, mighty, and growing. We currently offer boys' and girls' basketball for students in grades 5–12, providing opportunities for competition, teamwork, leadership, and school spirit. In addition, Pennsylvania law allows York Academy students to participate in athletic programs offered by their home school district. This gives students the best of both worlds: access to York Academy's unique educational experience while still being able to participate in a wide range of traditional interscholastic sports. In addition, York Academy offers extracurricular opportunities that help students develop teamwork, leadership, and school spirit, including our growing esports program for Upper School students. We encourage students to explore activities that match their interests and talents both inside and outside the classroom.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE ARTS AT YORK ACADEMY?
The arts are an important part of the York Academy experience. Students have opportunities to explore and develop their talents through a variety of music, theater, and visual arts programs beginning in the elementary grades and continuing through high school. Our students can participate in band, orchestra, choir, theater productions, and visual arts courses that encourage creativity, self-expression, collaboration, and confidence. Upper School students can pursue advanced coursework in the arts through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, while showcasing their work through performances, exhibitions, concerts, and community events. Whether a student is an aspiring artist, musician, performer, or simply interested in exploring a new creative passion, York Academy provides opportunities for students to discover and develop their talents.
WHAT IS THE YORK ACADEMY HOUSE SYSTEM?
The House System is a unique program that helps create a strong sense of belonging and community across all grade levels at York Academy. Every student is assigned to one of seven Houses and remains a member of that House throughout their time at the school. Through friendly competitions, service projects, leadership opportunities, and school-wide events, students earn points for their House while building relationships with peers and staff. The House System encourages teamwork, character development, school spirit, and a sense of connection that extends beyond the classroom. At York Academy, we often say, "Seven Houses. One Kingdom." The House System helps ensure that every student feels welcomed, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves.
DOES YORK ACADEMY HAVE A DRESS CODE?
Yes. York Academy students are expected to follow the school's dress code, which helps create a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment. Our dress code promotes school pride, minimizes distractions, and ensures that students are dressed appropriately for learning. Students wear approved uniform attire and are expected to adhere to the dress code guidelines outlined in the Student & Family Handbook. Uniform requirements vary by grade level and may include approved shirts, pants, skirts, outerwear, and footwear. For more information, please visit our dress code requirements and approved uniform options.
DO YOU OFFER GIFTED OR SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES?
York Academy offers a program for students identified as gifted or talented or for students who have demonstrated high achieving efforts. We provide special education programs onsite to students with mild disabilities or needs. Those with more severe disabilities or learning needs are referred to their residential school district so they can receive the support needed to access and make progress with their learning.
HOW IS YORK ACADEMY FUNDED?
Like all public schools in Pennsylvania, York Academy is publicly funded. When a student enrolls at York Academy, a portion of the public education funding allocated for that student's education follows them from their home school district to our school. Charter schools receive funding through tuition payments from the school districts where their students reside. These tuition rates are determined according to a formula established by Pennsylvania law and are based on each district's educational expenditures. As a tuition-free public charter school, York Academy provides families with access to a high-quality educational experience at no cost to them.
Have a question that wasn't covered here? Please reach out to us at (717) 801-3900 or [email protected].