Hoffman Academy
A Private Academic School where every student is seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Grades 1 through 12, PBIS Tier II accredited, and rooted in compassion.
A Therapeutic and Rigorous Learning Environment
Hoffman Academy is a licensed, Private Academic School (PAS) located on the campus of Hoffman Homes in the Gettysburg Area School District. The academy meets the needs of students requiring regular education or special education services for emotional support. In collaboration with GASD, we provide blended options for services and placements for students with special needs.
Our mission is to provide a therapeutic and rigorous learning environment that empowers individuals to make positive changes, encourage growth, and reach their goals.
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Restorative, Mindful, and Standards-Based
Restorative Practices & PBIS
Hoffman Academy is Tier II SW-PBIS accredited. Creative and flexible methods of meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of each student are vital to our program, including restorative practices, daily mindfulness, and two tiers of positive behavior supports.
Rigorous Instruction
Academic needs are met through rigorous, standards-based instruction from certified teachers. Our educators utilize a variety of curricular resources, both digital and print, to provide multi-modality instruction, hands-on experiences, and real-life application.
Services & Resources
Classroom Support
- Teacher and Teacher Aide in each classroom
- 1:1 Technology with Apple iPads
- Extended School Year (ESY) for eligible students
Wellness & Mindfulness
- Dedicated mindfulness room
- Daily mindfulness instruction
- RNs, School Counselor, and School Psychologist
Creative & Experiential
- Art, Animal-Assisted, Equine-Assisted, and Drama groups
- Horticulture activities
- Basketball camps and outdoor fields
Specialized Services
- Restorative practices and Restorative Support Team
- SW-PBIS practices
- Speech, OT, PT, ESL, and more
Creative Therapies
Students at Hoffman Academy have the opportunity to participate in psychoeducation groups including Art Therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy, Equine-Assisted Therapy, and Drama. These creative outlets help students express themselves, build confidence, and heal through connection.
Dr. Stacy Taylor
VP of Education
For referral information or questions about Hoffman Academy, please reach out to Dr. Taylor directly.
staylor@hoffmanyouth.comThe Educators Behind the Mission
Our certified teachers and staff bring compassion, creativity, and dedication to every classroom. They are the heart of Hoffman Academy.
Rebecca Byers, M.Ed.
Director of Education
Kelli Pascoe
Director of Early Childhood Education
As a dedicated educator with a Master's degree, Kelli views teaching not just as a career, but as a professional calling centered on fostering student growth and building relationships. Outside of the classroom, she is a devoted wife and mother who draws inspiration and energy from her family life. She thrives on maintaining a balanced perspective, frequently spending her personal time outdoors to recharge and find fresh insights for her work.
kpascoe@hoffmanyouth.comDebra Wear
Emotional Support Teacher
Has been at Hoffman Academy for five years. Volunteers at National Aquarium in Baltimore and goes hiking. Motto: 'In this world where you can be anything, be Kind.'
dwear@hoffmanyouth.comKeri Weikert
Upper Elementary Teacher
B.S. Elementary Education from York College of PA. Inspires a love of learning and believes students learn best when actively involved.
kweikert@hoffmanyouth.comBarbara Swenson
Special Education Teacher
Over 30 years in education. Believes in connecting with students on a deeper emotional level, creating a safe and empowering environment.
bswenson@hoffmanyouth.comApril Weller-Meck
Special Education Teacher
Has worked at Hoffman Academy for 6 years, teaching special education to students in grades 8-12. Working at Hoffman Academy allows her to make connections with students, their education, their goals, and their plans after high school related to education and life.
awellermeck@hoffmanyouth.comMegan Lichtel
ELA and Special Education Teacher
Beginning fourth school year at Hoffman Academy.
mlichtel@hoffmanyouth.comKris Whitehair
IEP Coordinator
Self-proclaimed nerd. Paints miniatures, plays D&D. Loves spending time with family, cat, and dog.
kwhitehair@hoffmanyouth.comDaniel Banan
Social Studies, Horticulture, Rock Climbing
B.S. History, Elizabethtown College. Certifications in Social Studies Secondary Education and Special Education from Shippensburg University.
dbanan@hoffmanyouth.comDanielle Shearer
Science Teacher
Lynn Habicht
Math Teacher
Kathey Walker
Elementary Teacher
Matthew Doran
Health & PE Teacher
In the Health and Wellness field since graduating from Lock Haven University in 2009.
mdoran@hoffmanyouth.comDarian Sundberg
Art Teacher
PA and NY certified Art teacher. Bachelor's in Art, Master's from Syracuse University in Art Education. International teaching experience.
dsundberg@hoffmanyouth.comShania Womer
Staff
Worked at Hoffman on and off since age 21. Currently pursuing a master's in Applied Behavior Analysis.
What Our Educators Say
Debra Wear
Emotional Support Teacher
“I see the benefit to the students as they learn to use restorative practices to better advocate for themselves and learn to build and repair relationships with teachers and peers.”
Megan Lichtel
ELA Teacher
“I listened more to the student as time went on, and I found them to be a brilliant poet. I collected their poetry throughout the year, and I still have it today. This is a student that once caused me great anxiety and ended up being one I will never forget.”
Lydia Kelley
Special Education Teacher
“By working through the restorative process, we address the issue to the point where when the student comes back in the classroom, both teacher and student are ready to move past the issues and get back on task.”
What Our Students Say
Ayden G.
7th Grader
“Hoffman Academy has helped me build self-esteem. I recently applied to be a member of the student leadership team. I am very proud of the progress I have made.”
Jayden P.
9th Grader
“We have more opportunities here, like when we get held accountable we get to talk about the issue with an adult and get coping skills to help us.”
Gianna L.
9th Grader
“This school is helpful because we have more opportunities here than other schools. We have breaks and coping skills available to us.”