History & Mission Statement

Our mission

To help individuals with learning differences access their potential by providing excellence in education, research, and community outreach.

Janus history

The Roman god, Janus, is the god of gates and doorways. January is named after Janus since January is the gateway to a new year, and the school is named after Janus to represent a gateway to a new learning experience and environment.

Built from the inside out

The Janus School was founded in 1991. Janus is the only K through 12 co-educational independent school in central Pennsylvania that serves individuals with learning differences, and is dually accredited by Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) and Middle States Association (MSA).

Before we were a building on a 40-acre campus, we were a group of parents, students, and teachers united by a shared mission: to create an educational environment suitable for children with learning differences. Six years later, our modern two-story complex was completed, designed specifically for the Janus educational model. Improved lighting, acoustics, class size — everything was chosen to encourage achievement in a healthy, comfortable atmosphere.

In 2009, we renovated the current building and completed a new addition which houses:

• Multipurpose room
• State-of-the-art stage and sound system
• Cafeteria and teaching kitchen
• Locker rooms
• Music/performing arts room
• Imagineering room
• Two multimedia computer labs
• Additional office and storage spaces
• An outside amphitheatre
• An art room that includes a Macintosh computer lab