What Is Wilkes-Barre Academy? A Quick Overview

Everything about Wilkes-Barre Academy starts with one simple idea: every child deserves to be truly known by their teacher.

Here are the key facts at a glance:

Detail	Info
Founded	1987
Location	20 Stevens Rd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Grades Served	Kindergarten through 8th Grade
Total Enrollment	176 students
Student/Teacher Ratio	18.3:1
Type	Private, non-profit, non-sectarian
Accredited	Yes, fully accredited
School Year	180 days, 6.8 hours/day
Affiliated With	Small Wonders Day Care School (est. 1978)

Wilkes-Barre Academy is a private, non-profit K-8 school in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1987 and is affiliated with Small Wonders Day Care School, which has served local families since 1978.

The school runs one classroom per grade level — from Kindergarten through 8th Grade. That structure is intentional. It keeps classes small, relationships strong, and learning personal.

It is not religiously affiliated. It welcomes families from all backgrounds, making it one of the more diverse independent schools in the region.

If you’re a parent looking for advanced academics, real individualized attention, and a close-knit school community — this guide covers everything you need to know.

Everything You Need to Know About Wilkes-Barre Academy

When people ask about Wilkes-Barre Academy, they are often curious about how we manage to balance high academic standards with such a warm, family-like atmosphere. Our story began in 1987, but our roots go back even further to the founding of Small Wonders Day Care School in 1978. We were established to provide a non-sectarian, non-profit, and fully accredited educational option for families in Luzerne County who wanted more than what a standard large-scale environment could offer.

Located at 20 Stevens Rd in Wilkes-Barre, our campus serves as a hub for students from all over the Wyoming Valley. We operate as a non-religious institution, which means our curriculum is focused entirely on academic excellence and character development without being tied to any specific faith. This allows us to bring together a wide variety of families under one roof. You can find more details in the Wilkes-Barre Academy – Wikipedia entry or by reading more info about our story on our website.

Enrollment Statistics and Facts About Wilkes-Barre Academy

We believe that numbers tell a story of stability and intentional growth. As of May 2026, our total enrollment stands at 176 students across our Kindergarten through 8th Grade levels. This size is perfect for maintaining our “one classroom per grade” philosophy, ensuring that no student is ever just a face in a crowd.

Our student-to-teacher ratio is 18.3, which allows our educators to pivot their teaching strategies based on the needs of the specific children in front of them. We follow a standard 180-day school year, with a school day lasting 6.8 hours.

Below is a breakdown of our current enrollment by grade level:

Grade Level	Number of Students
Kindergarten	22
1st Grade	26
2nd Grade	21
3rd Grade	26
4th Grade	17
5th Grade	18
6th Grade	17
7th Grade	12
8th Grade	17

A Diverse and Inclusive Community

One of the things we are most proud of about Wilkes-Barre Academy is our vibrant, diverse community. We believe that children learn best when they are surrounded by peers from different backgrounds and perspectives. Our non-discrimination policy is at the heart of our admissions; we welcome all students regardless of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, or sex.

This diversity fosters a unique environment where students learn from each other every day. For a closer look at how we build this community, visit the Wilkes-Barre Academy Home page.

Academic Excellence and Individualized Learning

At the core of our mission is an academically advanced curriculum. Because we have only one classroom per grade, our teachers have the unique opportunity to truly tailor their instruction. We don’t believe in “one size fits all” education. Instead, we focus on individualized attention that challenges high achievers while providing the necessary support for every student to reach their full potential.

Our teachers are state-certified and are lifelong learners themselves. They participate in ongoing continuing education to stay at the forefront of educational best practices. This allows us to adapt our teaching strategies annually to fit the unique personality and needs of each incoming class. To see how our curriculum evolves, learn more about our academics on our dedicated page.

Learning More About Wilkes-Barre Academy Faculty

A school is only as strong as its educators, and we are incredibly lucky to have a team that stays with us for the long haul. Many of our staff members have been with us for decades, and some are even former students who have returned as parents or teachers!

• Ambria Salavantis (Head of School): With a background in Business Administration and an MBA from Wilkes University, Ambria brings a unique blend of business acumen and a deep passion for our school’s mission.
• Amanda O’Toole: A veteran educator with 17 years of experience, 16 of which have been spent right here at the Academy.
• Eileen Sholtis: With an amazing 37 years of teaching experience, 36 of those years have been dedicated to our students.

Our leadership and faculty believe that clear communication and high expectations are the keys to a thriving school. You can meet the rest of our team by visiting our Faculty/Staff Directory.

Beyond the Classroom

We know that education isn’t just about what happens in a textbook. It’s about building confidence, responsibility, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. We offer a variety of Extracurricular Activities and Student Activities designed to help students explore their passions, whether in the arts, music, or physical education. These programs are vital for helping our students grow into well-rounded, creative thinkers.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Enrollment for 2025-2026

We understand that choosing a private education is a significant investment in your child’s future. For the 2025-2026 school year, we have worked hard to keep our tuition competitive while maintaining the high quality of our programs.

The tuition for a single student for the 2025-2026 school year is $7,150. However, for families using the FACTS system, this is often broken down into 10 manageable installments of $715. We also offer a multi-child discount, bringing the tuition down to $6,650 for the second child. For the most up-to-date details, please see our 2025-2026 Tuition Schedule.

Financial Assistance Programs

We are committed to making our school accessible to as many families as possible. We participate in the EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) and OSTCP (Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program). This past year, these programs provided significant support, helping over 70 students cover nearly two full tuition installments!

Additionally, we have a unique, parent-run Voucher Tuition Assistance Program. Families can purchase gift cards for everyday retailers they already use (like grocery stores or gas stations), and a portion of that purchase goes directly toward offsetting their tuition costs. It’s a fantastic way for our community to support one another. Learn more about these options on our Admissions and Aid page.

Scheduling a Private Tour

The best way to learn about Wilkes-Barre Academy is to see it in action. We invite all prospective families to schedule a private tour. During your visit, you’ll get to see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and feel the “big heart” that defines our school. Our admissions team is ready to guide you through the application process and answer any questions you might have about joining our family. You can also stay connected through our Parent Portal.

The Heart of the Community: History and Extended Care

Our story is deeply intertwined with Small Wonders Day Care School, which was founded in 1978. Small Wonders was created to serve working and single parents in the Wyoming Valley by providing enriched daycare programs for infants through Pre-K. As those children grew, the demand for a continuation of that high-quality care led to the addition of Kindergarten in 1980 and the eventual founding of Wilkes-Barre Academy in 1987.

Because we started with working parents in mind, we offer extensive extended care options. We provide before-school and after-school care that includes coverage for snow days, school delays, and even some holidays.

• Full-time Extended Care: $83/week for a single student.
• Morning or Afternoon Only: $50/week for a single student.

This affiliation ensures that your child is in a safe, familiar environment from early morning until you finish your workday. You can find more details on the Wilkes-Barre Academy website.

Understanding the Historical Connection

It is interesting to note that the name “Wilkes-Barre Academy” has a long history in our city. A previous institution with the same name was established in 1807 and operated until 1838, eventually becoming the Wyoming Academy. While we are a modern institution founded in 1987, we carry on the legacy of providing top-tier private education in the region. The original 19th-century academy was known for its prominent alumni, including politicians and artists like George Catlin. For those interested in local history, the Historical Wilkes-Barre Academy – Wikipedia page offers a fascinating look at the educational roots of our area.

Parent and Family Involvement

We believe that a child’s education is a partnership between the school and the home. Our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is incredibly active, organizing events and supporting our teachers in ways that build lifelong bonds between families. When you enroll your child here, you aren’t just joining a school; you are joining a community that supports one another long after graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wilkes-Barre Academy

How can I arrange a private tour of the school?

Arranging a tour is easy! You can contact us directly by phone or fill out the enrollment form on our website. Our admissions team will reach out to schedule a time that works for you, allowing you to see our facilities and meet our staff in a one-on-one setting.

Is Wilkes-Barre Academy a religiously affiliated school?

No, we are a non-sectarian school. While we respect and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of all our students, our curriculum and daily operations are not affiliated with any religious organization. This allows us to maintain a neutral, inclusive environment for all families.

What are the extended care options for working parents?

Through our affiliation with Small Wonders, we offer comprehensive before and after-school care. We are open for morning care starting early in the day and remain open for afternoon care until typical work hours end. We also provide care during school delays, snow days, and in-service days to ensure our working parents have consistent, reliable support.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, everything about Wilkes-Barre Academy comes back to our students. We provide a strong academic foundation in a supportive, engaging environment where every child is encouraged to think, explore, and grow. From our small class sizes to our dedicated faculty and diverse community, we are here to ensure that your child’s learning journey is just the beginning of a successful future.

We invite you to discover more about us and see why so many Luzerne County families have made Wilkes-Barre Academy their home for generations.