About York Academy
York Academy is a diverse, tuition free (K-12) public charter school that provides students with a challenging, well-rounded, college-focused stellar education. Our students learn from highly qualified teachers and staff who empower them to be active, compassionate, lifelong learners through the International Baccalaureate curriculum.
We also offer innovative design and engineering opportunities, along with progressive performing and visual arts programming. The goal is to help students thrive and instill in them the desire and skills to succeed in college and beyond.
The York Academy Lower School was recently named one of the top five charter elementary schools in PA by U.S. News & World Report. In addition, 91% of of first senior class (2022) qualified for the National Merit Scholarship Program and one was a National Merit Scholar, which is an amazing accomplishment! She received a full scholarship and attends Vanderbilt University.
Background & Application Information
In 2011, the Academy was established as a nonprofit public school, chartered by Central York, York City and York Suburban School Districts. Students from all school districts are welcome to apply. Currently, students who reside in 26 zip codes and 14 school districts attend York Academy.
In accordance with our school charter, each grade is filled with a specific number of students and selected by lottery. Families are highly encouraged to apply online each February/March so their children may be included in the annual lottery. Applicants who are not selected in the lottery are placed on a waiting list. If all seats are not filled by students from the three chartering districts, open seats are made available to applicants from other districts throughout Pennsylvania.