The Akron Elementary School is located in a charming community near Ephrata in Lancaster County. After the existence of the West Akron School, in the late 1800’s, the Akron Public School on 7th Street was acquired. In the academic year of 1953-54, this current school on Eleventh Street was built to house Kindergarten through grade eight. In 1961, grades seven and eight were sent to the Ephrata High School with Akron Elementary becoming a K-6 school. No longer a borough operated school, Akron became a part of the Ephrata Area School District. Renovations and additions were completed in 1963, ’87, ’98 and 2004. The large original, bronze and copper bell dated 1888 from the tower of the West Akron Graded School marks the focal point of the bustling front lobby of Akron Elementary. The bell signifies the strength, history and respectful caring within these walls that call all students into an environment of challenging learning and tender nurturing.

Many new technological advances now fill the school, such as two complete classroom computer labs, Smart Activ-Boards, wireless capabilities, and laptop carts. Computer driven brain-based instructional programs such as Fast ForWord and First in Math are prominent tools in elementary classrooms. Literacy instruction utilizes guided reading, flexible grouping, and differentiated centers to meet the needs of all levels of learners. Co-teaching and cooperative teaching foster further support for all students inclusively. Faculty meets regularly in grade level teams to analyze data and restructure instructional practices to continuously improve student achievement. Data teams involving teachers, guidance counselor, psychologist, principal, and other necessary personnel review student information and implement interventions for the benefit of children who are experiencing academic and/or behavioral challenges in school.

Akron Elementary takes a proactive approach to ensuring a positive school climate and individual character building through the use of a School-Wide Positive Behavior System (SWPBS). The five points of our Akron All-Star stand for: Stay safe; Think before you act; Always be prepared; Respect yourself and others; and Solve problems the right way. Students receive daily positive reinforcement slips for practicing instructed pro-social skills and conflict resolution strategies. Anti-bullying initiatives are supported throughout the building by all staff and students. Leadership opportunities are fulfilled through Student Assistant Team (S.A.T.) members who are the fourth grade role-models, exemplifying compassion and integrity through their helpful actions and assignments. All students look forward to monthly whole-school SWPBS assemblies for reinforced “pats on the back” rewarded by proudly recognizing one and all as appreciated Akron All-Stars!