Why Wilkes-Barre Academy is the Talk of the Town
Why Families Are Taking a Closer Look at Wilkes-Barre Academy
Wilkes-Barre Academy is a private, nonprofit K-8 school located at 20 Stevens Road in Wilkes-Barre, PA, founded in 1987. It serves 176 students from Kindergarten through 8th Grade in a nonsectarian, close-knit environment with one classroom per grade.
At a glance:
- Location: 20 Stevens Road, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
- Grades: Kindergarten through 8th Grade
- Type: Private, nonprofit, nonsectarian
- Students: 176 total
- Student-teacher ratio: 18.0
- Founded: 1987
- Mission: Individualized academic excellence in a diverse, non-religious community
If you’re a parent weighing your options for K-8 education in Luzerne County, this school keeps coming up — and for good reason.
Many families feel let down by large classrooms where their child gets lost in the crowd. Wilkes-Barre Academy takes a different approach: one class per grade, state-certified teachers, and a strong focus on keeping parents in the loop. The result is a learning environment where students are genuinely known by the adults around them.
This review covers everything you need to know — academics, faculty, enrollment, extracurriculars, tuition, and more — so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your child.
Essential wilkes-barre academy terms:
What Wilkes-Barre Academy Is Today
When we look at the educational landscape of Luzerne County in May 2026, Wilkes-Barre Academy stands out as a premier choice for families seeking a balanced, rigorous, and supportive environment. Founded in 1987, our school has spent nearly four decades establishing a reputation for academic excellence. Located at our single campus at 20 Stevens Road in Wilkes-Barre, PA, we operate as a private, non-profit, nonsectarian institution.
Our core mission is to foster academic confidence, personal responsibility, and a lifelong love of learning in every student. We achieve this by keeping our structure intentionally small. By offering exactly one classroom per grade from Kindergarten through 8th Grade, we ensure that no student becomes just a number on a spreadsheet.
Our state-certified teachers are highly qualified and regularly pursue continuing education to bring the latest, most effective instructional methods into their classrooms. At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that when teachers, families, and students work together, there is no limit to what a child can achieve. To learn more about our foundational values and journey, you can read about Our Story or visit our general About page.
Quick Review: Who the School Serves and Why It Stands Out
We serve a diverse population of K-8 students from all over Luzerne County and surrounding areas. Our academically advanced curriculum is designed to challenge students while providing the individualized support they need to succeed.
What truly sets us apart from other options in the region is our non-religious, inclusive environment. We welcome families of all backgrounds, faiths, and cultures, creating a vibrant community where unique student identities are celebrated. We maintain high expectations for both academic performance and personal conduct, but we pair those expectations with deep parent-school communication. We believe that a child’s education is a collaborative effort, and we keep our doors open to parent feedback, involvement, and partnership. For a broader look at how we compare to other regional options, check out the Wilkes-Barre Private School Guide: Finding the Perfect Fit.
How wilkes-barre academy differs from the 1807 school
It is common for local history buffs to confuse our modern school with the historical institution of the same name. The original Wilkes-Barre Academy was established way back in 1807. It operated out of an old courthouse building before eventually transitioning into the Wyoming Academy and closing its doors in 1838. That historical school played a key role in early Pennsylvania education, even hosting female students in separate rooms before the creation of the Girls’ Institute.
However, our modern Wilkes-Barre Academy is a completely separate entity. Founded in 1987, we are a modern, non-profit K-8 school designed for today’s educational needs. While we share a name and a deep respect for the educational heritage of Luzerne County, our operations, curriculum, and structure are entirely independent.
| Feature | Historical Wilkes-Barre Academy (1807) | Modern Wilkes-Barre Academy (Est. 1987) |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Operation | 1807 – 1838 | 1987 – Present (Active in 2026) |
| Location | Old Luzerne County Courthouse | 20 Stevens Road, Wilkes-Barre, PA |
| Grades Served | Mixed secondary/prep ages | Kindergarten through 8th Grade (K-8) |
| Affiliation | Historic public academy | Private, non-profit, nonsectarian |
| Focus | 19th-century classical preparatory | Academically advanced, modern K-8 curriculum |
Inside the Academic Experience Families Are Reviewing
At our school, the daily schedule is built around maximizing instructional time and personal engagement. Our school year consists of 180 days, with a school day running for 6.7 hours. This consistent, structured schedule allows us to dive deep into our advanced curriculum.
Our single-classroom-per-grade model is the secret to our academic success. When classrooms are growing increasingly crowded, our students receive direct, highly personalized attention from their teachers. We cover all core subjects with rigorous depth, including reading, mathematics, science, and literature. But we don’t stop there. Our students also engage regularly in geography, geometry, chemistry, and specialized classes that enrich their minds and expand their horizons. To explore our full educational approach, visit our Academics page.
Curriculum Focus and Class Structure
Because we only have one classroom per grade, our teachers get to know each student’s learning style, strengths, and areas for growth. This structure allows for individualized pacing within the classroom, ensuring that students who need an extra challenge are pushed forward, while those who need support receive it immediately.
Our curriculum includes specialized instruction designed to build well-rounded individuals. For example, our Spanish Class introduces students to foreign language and global cultures early in their development. Additionally, our Physical Fitness programs emphasize health, teamwork, and coordination, ensuring that physical development keeps pace with intellectual growth.
Teachers, Leadership, and Staff Experience
A school is only as strong as its leadership and faculty, and this is where our school truly shines. Our Head of School, Ambria Salavantis, brings a powerful combination of educational vision and operational expertise to our campus. She holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from Wilkes University, allowing her to manage our non-profit institution with professional precision while maintaining a warm, student-focused environment.
Our faculty is characterized by incredible stability and long-term commitment. Many of our teachers have dedicated decades to our students:
- Kindergarten Teacher: 37 years of teaching experience, with 36 of those years spent right here at our academy.
- Eighth Grade Teacher: 17 years of teaching experience, including 16 years with us.
- Music Teacher: 31 years of experience, with 17 years spent nurturing our students’ musical talents.
- Small Wonders Manager: 18 years of dedicated service managing our early childhood and care programs.
This level of dedication is rare in modern education. It creates a deeply stable environment where teachers often welcome the children of former students back into their classrooms. Our strong Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) further bridges the gap between home and school, ensuring a vibrant, supportive community. You can meet our entire team by browsing the Faculty & Staff Directory.
Enrollment, Demographics, and School Operations at a Glance
We are proud of our transparent, community-focused operations. As a non-profit organization, our annual revenue of approximately $1.8M is poured directly back into our classrooms, facilities, and student programs. According to official data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), we serve 176 students with a dedicated team of 9.8 full-time equivalent (FTE) classroom teachers, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 18.0.
Our website receives an average of 1,582 monthly visits, with highly engaged local families viewing an average of 15.5 pages per visit as they research our programs. For detailed statistical verification, you can view the NCES private school profile.
Student Body Snapshot in 2026
Our student body reflects a rich tapestry of backgrounds, which enhances classroom discussions and helps our students develop a global perspective. The racial and ethnic demographic breakdown of our school includes:
- White: 67.6%
- Asian: 14.8%
- Hispanic: 10.2%
- Black: 5.1%
- American Indian/Alaska Native: 1.1%
- Two or More Races: 1.1%
Our enrollment by grade is carefully balanced to preserve our tight-knit community feel, starting with 28 students in Kindergarten and tapering to 11 students in our graduating 8th-grade class:
- Kindergarten: 28 students
- 1st Grade: 25 students
- 2nd Grade: 22 students
- 3rd Grade: 17 students
- 4th Grade: 16 students
- 5th Grade: 23 students
- 6th Grade: 16 students
- 7th Grade: 18 students
- 8th Grade: 11 students
What families should know before applying to wilkes-barre academy
We encourage all prospective families to reach out to us and experience our unique culture firsthand. The admissions process begins with an inquiry, followed by a private tour of our Stevens Road campus.
To help families plan, we make our enrollment forms, school calendar, and financial details easily accessible. We offer clear guidelines on regional busing and transportation options, ensuring that students from various parts of Luzerne County can commute safely. To take the first step, we invite you to explore our Admissions and Enrollment pages, review our current Tuition Schedule 2024-2025, and read about our local Transportation services.
Beyond the Classroom: Activities, Care, Summer, and Traditions
At our academy, we believe that learning doesn’t stop when the final school bell rings. We offer a wide range of activities designed to help children discover their passions, build confidence, and develop leadership skills outside of traditional academic subjects. From physical sports to creative arts and competitive sciences, there is something for every child. You can learn more about these opportunities on our Student Activities and Extracurricular Activities pages.
Before and After Care, Daycare, and Summer Options
We understand the demands placed on modern working families. To support our parents, we offer robust, single-location extended care options. Our Before & After School Care program provides a safe, supervised, and engaging environment for students before classes start and after they dismiss. For our youngest learners, our on-site Small Wonders Daycare provides high-quality early childhood care.
During the summer months, our campus remains a hub of activity. We host a spectacular 12-week summer camp program running from June 8, 2026, through August 28, 2026. Available for children who have completed Kindergarten up to age 13, our summer program features three distinct 3-week camp sessions alongside our full-summer camp option. This year, we are thrilled to introduce action-themed camps focusing on:
- Soccer: Professional instruction, skills clinics, and friendly matches.
- Basketball: Drills, teamwork exercises, and tournament play.
- Karate & Self-Defense: Confidence-building, discipline, and personal safety techniques.
These camps are paired with exciting field trips and specialized activities, making it an unforgettable summer experience.
Dress Code, Traditions, and Student Expectations
To maintain a tidy, focused, and distraction-free learning environment, we enforce a school dress code. All designated uniform pieces must be purchased through Flynn & O’Hara.
- Standard Uniform: Tailored shirts tucked into approved bottoms.
- Gym Days: Students wear approved gym uniforms and athletic sneakers.
- Seasonal Uniform Rules: Shorts and sneakers are permitted only during designated warm-weather windows—specifically, from the start of the school year through October 31, and resuming on April 1.
- General Appearance: We ask that students avoid distracting jewelry, makeup, or unconventional hair styles/colors that could detract from the academic environment.
Parents can find all the necessary details, policy forms, and start-of-year requirements on our School Year Information & Paperwork page.
Family Engagement, Community Reputation, and What Comes Next
Our school thrives on the deep trust and active engagement of our local community. We are incredibly proud of our multigenerational legacy, with many of our alumni returning years later as parents to enroll their own children. This cycle of trust is the ultimate testament to the lasting impact of our educational model.
We encourage parent feedback and feature direct accounts of our community’s experiences on our Parent Testimony page. Our graduates go on to achieve great success in high school and beyond, and we love staying in touch with them through our Alumni network.
Notable Achievements and Partnerships Families Notice
Our students consistently excel in regional and state-level competitions. One of our proudest academic traditions is our participation and history of Winning the Pennsylvania Science Olympiad. This rigorous competition allows our middle-school students to apply their knowledge of chemistry, physics, and biology in a highly competitive, team-oriented setting.
In addition to STEM achievements, our arts programs continue to flourish. Our school Glee Club and music programs perform throughout the year, giving students a platform to develop stage presence, vocal talent, and creative confidence. As a non-profit school, these programs are supported by the generosity of our community. If you would like to support our mission of continuous improvement, we welcome you to visit our Donate page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wilkes-Barre Academy
What grades does the school serve?
We serve students from Kindergarten through 8th Grade. Our structure features exactly one classroom per grade level, ensuring a consistent, close-knit peer group and highly personalized teacher attention throughout your child’s elementary and middle school years.
Is the school religiously affiliated?
No. We are a nonsectarian, non-religious private school. We welcome families from all backgrounds and cultures, creating a diverse and inclusive community focused purely on academic excellence and character development.
How do families begin the enrollment process?
The first step is to reach out and schedule a private tour of our Stevens Road campus. You can submit an inquiry through our online contact forms, review our tuition schedule, and fill out the official enrollment paperwork to secure your child’s place.
Conclusion
When we look at the choices available for K-8 education in Luzerne County, Wilkes-Barre Academy offers a truly unique value proposition. By combining an academically advanced curriculum with a single-classroom-per-grade structure, we ensure that your child receives the personalized attention they need to build lasting academic confidence.
Our experienced, long-tenured faculty, non-sectarian values, and robust extracurricular programs — from the Science Olympiad to our action-themed summer camps — make us a school that families love to recommend.
If you are ready to see what makes our single-location community so special, we invite you to take the next step. Please visit our Contact page to schedule your private tour, or begin your application today on our Admissions portal. We look forward to welcoming your family to our school!
