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About us

A proven tradition of student-centered education

Today’s Moravian Academy was founded by Countess Benigna Von Zinzendorf and D. Esther Swain. These innovative women lived nearly two centuries apart, yet they shared the same forward-thinking philosophy: every child, regardless of gender, background, or belief, deserves an education that puts them at the center.
We’ve lived that philosophy every day since 1742—because it works.
Our bedrock commitment to each individual student drives everything we do, from daily classroom lessons to the overarching curricular choices on our two distinct Preschool-Grade 8 campuses. At MA, your family can choose between a fully secular values-based program on the Swain Campus, or one infused by inclusive Moravian traditions and services on the Historic Downtown Campus. Signature programs at each location develop self-knowledge, subject-matter expertise, and a lifelong love of learning, fully preparing your child for our Upper School. Your family can choose from the extensive outdoor education program of the Swain Campus, the Spanish Immersion Program of the Historic Downtown Campus, and many other multifaceted learning experiences.
Wherever they start their MA journey, students come together for Upper School on our Merle-Smith Campus. This intentionally college-preparatory program fosters independent thinking, advanced research skills, and meaningful citizenship, along with a uniquely confident and joyful approach to life. No wonder our students enroll and succeed at the nation’s top universities and pursue significant, satisfying careers.
We invite you to learn more about our academic programs as well as the respective educational experiences on the Swain, Historic Downtown, and Merle-Smith Campuses. Then, when you’re ready, come visit us in person!

Small Classes, Big Community

A tradition of excellence across three campuses in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania.
381 Students
Historic Downtown
Bethlehem (PS-Grade 8)
234 Students
Swain Campus
Allentown (PS-Grade 8)
252 Students
Merle-Smith
Bethlehem (Grades 9-12)
Total Moravian Academy Student Body 867 (2026-27)

A Global Legacy: Moravian Academy’s UNESCO World Heritage Home

 
In July 2024, the Historic Moravian Bethlehem National Historic Landmark District—home to Moravian Academy’s downtown campus—was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This achievement marks the first multi-country "transnational" designation in U.S. history, linking Bethlehem with fellow Moravian settlements in Germany, Northern Ireland, and Denmark.
As one of only 26 World Heritage sites in the United States and only the third in Pennsylvania, our campus stands alongside global icons like the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Giza. For our students, this prestigious honor transforms our historic grounds into a living classroom, offering unparalleled access to international exchange, specialized curricula, and a direct connection to a globally recognized legacy of communal innovation and architectural preservation.
 

Moravian Academy FAQs

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

  • Q What grades does Moravian Academy serve?

    Moravian Academy serves students from age 3 through Grade 12 in four divisions. The Beginning School covers Preschool through Kindergarten, the Lower School covers Grades 1–5, the Middle School covers Grades 6–8, and the Upper School covers Grades 9–12.
  • Q Where are Moravian Academy's campuses located?

    Moravian Academy has three campuses in the Lehigh Valley. The Swain Campus in Allentown and the Historic Downtown Campus in Bethlehem each serve Preschool through Grade 8. The Merle-Smith Campus in Bethlehem serves Upper School students in Grades 9–12.
  • Q How many students attend Moravian Academy?

    About 867 students attend Moravian Academy in the 2026–27 school year, from preschool through Grade 12.
  • Q How many AP courses does Moravian Academy offer?

    Moravian Academy offers 16 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, along with advanced electives. AP courses span English, science, math and computer science, history and social sciences, global languages, and visual arts. Examples include AP Calculus BC, AP Physics C, AP Computer Science A, AP African American Studies, and AP Chinese Language and Culture. Expert faculty teach every course.
  • Q What is the average SAT score at Moravian Academy?

    The average SAT score for Moravian Academy's Class of 2026 was 1330: 672 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and 658 in Math. The middle 50% of scores ranged from 630 to 720 in EBRW and from 580 to 740 in Math. These results reflect a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, individualized academic advising, and dedicated college counseling throughout the Upper School years.
  • Q How many Moravian Academy students are National Merit Scholars?

    In the Class of 2026, ten Moravian Academy students earned recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program: five as Semifinalists or Finalists and five as Commended Students. Our five Semifinalists and Finalists represent 6.5% of the class, compared with fewer than 1% of high school seniors nationwide. National Merit recognition is based on PSAT/NMSQT scores and honors some of the highest-performing students in the country.
  • Q Where do Moravian Academy graduates go to college?

    Moravian Academy graduates attend highly selective colleges and universities across the country and around the world. In the last five years, multiple graduates have enrolled at Harvard, Stanford, Duke, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, the University of Pennsylvania, and Lehigh University. Members of the Class of 2026 are headed to Princeton, Yale, Georgetown, and Northwestern. Personalized college counseling helps each student find the best fit.

  • Q Does Moravian Academy offer financial aid?

    Yes. In 2025–26, 42% of Moravian Academy students received need-based financial aid, totaling more than $7 million. Tuition assistance is available for Kindergarten through Grade 12, and families apply online through Clarity. If you're unsure whether you'll qualify, we encourage you to apply. Learn more on our Tuition & Affordability page.
  • Q How do I apply to Moravian Academy?

    Families can begin the admissions process by contacting the Moravian Academy Admissions Office at 610-332-5200 or admissions@mamail.net, or by scheduling a campus visit. The admissions team will guide you through each step, from touring a campus to applying for financial aid. Join us for a visit and discover more to explore.

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Q What athletics does Moravian Academy offer?

    Moravian Academy offers a wide range of interscholastic sports, including soccer, tennis, golf, lacrosse, basketball, field hockey, cross country, and swimming and diving, and competes in the Colonial League, District XI, and the PIAA. Student-athletes build teamwork, resilience, and leadership on the field and court. Recent highlights include the Boys' Lacrosse team's first-ever District XI Championship and Coach Andrew Stitt '08 being named USA Lacrosse Coach of the Year.
  • Q What arts and extracurricular activities are available?

    Moravian Academy offers a rich array of arts and activities, including orchestra, concert band, chorus, handbells, guitar ensemble, Suzuki Strings, Orff music, theater, and private vocal and instrument lessons. Students also join robotics, chess, math competitions, affinity groups, DECA, and a student TV studio. 
  • Q What percentage of Moravian Academy faculty hold advanced degrees?

    77% of Moravian Academy faculty hold advanced degrees. Our teachers are accomplished scholars and dedicated mentors who bring deep subject expertise and a passion for teaching to every classroom.
  • Q What is the student-to-faculty ratio and average class size at Moravian Academy?

    Moravian Academy has a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 16 students. Small classes let teachers know each student well and tailor support to individual needs.
  • Q How diverse is the Moravian Academy community?

    Moravian Academy is an inclusive community where 37% of students identify as students of color.* Families describe a strong sense of belonging, close connections across grades, and an active parent community. The school's mission calls on every student to become an inclusive global citizen.

    *Percent calculated from a demographic survey completed July 2022 and representative of students who completed the survey.
  • Q Does Moravian Academy provide transportation?

    Yes. Moravian Academy students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 can ride buses provided free by 19 area school districts within 10 miles of their campus. A free InterCampus Shuttle also connects all three campuses. Private routes from the Poconos and New Jersey are available for an annual fee. Visit our Transportation page to find service for your district.

 
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