For possible selection to the WBA Business Academy, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Applicants must be an 8th-grade student currently taking Advanced English or have an overall
average of 90 or above in their current English class. Interested students should be currently
enrolled in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, Bear Creek Charter School, Wilkes-Barre
Academy, St. Nick's 8th grade class, or any other qualifying 8th grade school district within the
state of Pennsylvania.
Students currently in 8th grade and or transferring in from another school district must submit
Any student who has failed any classes prior to applying will not be considered unless
extenuating circumstances warrant a review by the Business Academy committee.
Any student who has ever had a disciplinary write-up prior to applying will not be considered
unless extenuating circumstances warrant a review by the Business Academy committee.
All applicants will complete an online application which concludes with 3 essays. The Business
Academy committee will complete a holistic review of all applications. Interviews will be
extended to those students who pass the holistic review and their intentions align with the
mission of the Business Academy. Those offered an interview will be required to complete a 15-
20 minute in-person interview with at least 2 members of the Business Academy committee.
Applicants are also required to provide the name and email address of one teacher who is willing
to complete a teacher recommendation.
Please note: Students are accepted to the Business Academy the prior school year. NO
EXCEPTIONS. Students in 9th grade can apply IF a spot is available for the following school
year. Those spots are at the discretion of the department. Interested students must currently be
enrolled in college-prep classes and meet the same requirements for English coursework.
2024-2025 Application Information
The Wilkes-Barre Area Business Academy will be taking applications starting April 1, 2024