Allentown, PA – November 24, 2025 – On Monday, November 24, 2025, the Allentown School District hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the start of our new K-8 Academy, bringing together early learners and adolescents in one cohesive, forward-thinking learning community.
The K-8 Academy is slated to be built at 1600 Hanover Avenue on the former State Hospital land and will support the academic, social, emotional, and creative development of its students. The school will be designed as a dynamic learning space where educators can utilize modern tools and technology to enrich learning and teaching in an ever-evolving world.
“This K–8 campus will bring together early learners and adolescents in one cohesive, forward-thinking learning community, supporting the academic, social, and emotional development,” said Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Carol D. Birks. “Educators will benefit from modern tools and dynamic spaces that enrich learning and teaching in an ever-evolving world. Research highlights the promise of this K-8 model, which offers stronger continuity, deeper relationships, and improved outcomes. The K-8 concept reduces transitions, promotes stability, and connection during pivotal developmental years.”
This project embodies the Allentown School District’s commitment to creating innovative, state-of-the-art learning environments that elevate student voice, inspire discovery, and ignite potential. The new school also represents a historic investment in our East Side community and students. This environment will be a space to spark curiosity, cultivate imagination, and affirm the brilliance of our students.
Kindergarten students from Ritter Elementary School, the Harrison-Morton Middle School Band, and the Dieruff High School JROTC joined District Administrators and elected officials for the groundbreaking event. At the event, Breslin Architects provided guests with an overview of the project and shared the 3D model that was created for the School Board of Directors in August. Speakers included Senator Nick Miller, State Representative Pete Schweyer, State Representative Mike Schollsberg, and Board President Andrene Brown Nowell.
“Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony marks the most significant educational investment in the East Side of Allentown in decades,” said Senator Miller. “With the introduction of K-8 Allentown Academy, over 1,000 students will soon have a safe, modern, and ADA-compliant learning environment where both students and educators can flourish. As a former school board member who has seen firsthand the importance of maintaining our school facilities, I believe this investment will benefit future generations by transforming an underutilized area into a vibrant space where students can access high-quality education and resources within their own neighborhood."
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