Founders & Owners: Cletta Salavantis and Cappie Evers
Small Wonders Preschool @ Wilkes-Barre Academy: Infant -PreK / Wilkes-Barre Academy: Non-Profit/Non-Public School K-8
How did Wilkes-Barre Academy begin?
Wilkes-Barre Academy came to fruition after years of successful teaching at the Small Wonders
Preschool level. Established in 1978, Small Wonders was a passion project for the twin sisters at a time
when access to childcare centers was limited in our region. At that time, there was more of a demand
for care as dual income homes began to increase. Even more so, Cletta and Cappie personally found
themselves in a position of needing quality care for their own children. They both had three children at
the time and Cletta would go on to raise four more in the years to follow. The twin sisters had, and will
always have, the love and dedication needed to continue to make an impact on each child that enters
our doors.
Why was Wilkes-Barre Academy built?
After years of building Small Wonders into a strong environment and learning center for children,
including centers in multiple locations, Cletta and Cappie worked to build the Small Wonders Center
where it stands today. At that time, parents were so happy with the progress made by their children
while at Small Wonders that they pushed Cletta and Cappie to continue their high standard of education
by creating Wilkes-Barre Academy. The twins were actually so close to the original families of Small
Wonders that they became close friends and confidants. Our original graduating class of parents from
1995 were integral in creating a capital campaign to help the Twin sisters see their dream of educating
their students to the best of their ability come true. Cletta and Cappie did not have the opportunity to
attend college which ultimately fueled their high level of respect for the importance of being educated.
The twins were extremely hard working and put everything ounce of their time and energy into creating
this school that so many are now proud to say they have attended.
2026 marks the 30th graduating class of Wilkes-Barre Academy!
Your Choice, Their Future.
Wilkes-Barre Academy provides a strong academic foundation in a supportive, engaging environment where students are encouraged to think, explore, and grow every day.
We’re excited to welcome new students and families for the upcoming school year.
Contact our school today to arrange a private tour at your convenience.
Call or Fill out the form below
Non-Discrimination Policy
The operations of Wilkes-Barre Academy will be designed to service the needs of all people regardless of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, or sex. There will be no discrimination in admissions policy, employment policy, meal service, and/or use of facility.