Since our founding in 1952 by the late Dr. Gertrude A.
Barber, we have grown from a one-room classroom to a dynamic, multi-faceted facility that provides education, services and support to individuals, families and professionals.
The Barber National Institute offers a complete range of services that includes early intervention for infants and toddlers, an inclusive preschool, PreK Counts program for at-risk preschoolers, an Autism Center of Excellence, an approved private school, job training and placement, residential options including community group homes, Lifesharing and supported living programs, in-home services, behavioral therapy, a creative arts program and a retirement center.
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 146 students
- Average class size: 9 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
as part of broader developmental disabilities diagnoses
Year Founded
1952
Summer School Offered
Yes
Student Body
Total Students
146 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
26%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.:
Average Class Size
9 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
No dress code
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- Since our founding in 1952 by the late Dr. Gertrude A. Barber, we have grown from a one-room classroom to a dynamic, multi-faceted facility that provides education, services and support to individuals, families and professionals. The Barber National Institute offers a complete range of services that includes early intervention for infants and toddlers, an inclusive preschool, an Autism Center of Excellence, an approved private school, job training and placement, residential options including community group homes, Lifesharing and supported living programs, in-home services, specialized therapies and behavioral therapy, a creative arts program and a retirement center.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Dr Gertrude A Barber Center, Inc?
The application deadline for Dr Gertrude A Barber Center, Inc is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Dr Gertrude A Barber Center, Inc also viewed these schools: Elizabeth Black School and Bethel Christian School Erie, PA.
The nearest high school to Dr Gertrude A Barber Center, Inc is Cathedral Preparatory School (1.6 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Luther Memorial Academy (1.6 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Elizabeth Black School (0.0 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Elizabeth Black School
Special Education School
136 East Ave
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(814) 453-7661
Erie, PA 16507
(814) 453-7661
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(814) 868-2365
4.3 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 244 students Avg. class size: 17 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
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Miles
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1781 W 38th St
Erie, PA 16508
(814) 868-2365
Erie, PA 16508
(814) 868-2365
4.3 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 244 students Avg. class size: 17 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
1781 W 38th St
Erie, PA 16508
(814) 868-2365
Erie, PA 16508
(814) 868-2365
4.3 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 244 students Avg. class size: 17 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Elizabeth Black School
Special Education School
136 East Ave
Erie, PA 16507
(814) 453-7661
Erie, PA 16507
(814) 453-7661
- miles
Gr: PK | 215 students
1781 W 38th St
Erie, PA 16508
(814) 868-2365
Erie, PA 16508
(814) 868-2365
4.3 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 244 students Avg. class size: 17 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Elizabeth Black School
Special Education School
136 East Ave
Erie, PA 16507
(814) 453-7661
Erie, PA 16507
(814) 453-7661
- miles
Gr: PK | 215 students
Erie KinderCare ![Erie KinderCare Photo - Toddler Classroom]( "Erie KinderCare Photo - Toddler Classroom")
Daycare / Preschool
625 Holland St.
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 453-5260
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 453-5260
1.1 miles
Gr: NS-PK | 118 students
Early Connections City Center Childcare
Daycare / Preschool
704 State Street
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 456-4576
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 456-4576
1.3 miles
Gr: NS | 13 students
Cathedral Preparatory School
All-boys (Catholic)
225 W 9th St
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 453-7737
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 453-7737
1.6 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 406 students Avg. class size: 23 students Sports: 12 | Extracurrculars: 22 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
220 West 11th Street
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 454-0106
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 454-0106
1.6 miles
Gr: K-8 | 114 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Cathedral Preparatory School
All-boys (Catholic)
225 W 9th St
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 453-7737
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 453-7737
1.6 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 406 students Avg. class size: 23 students Sports: 12 | Extracurrculars: 22 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Mercyhurst Preparatory School ![Mercyhurst Preparatory School Photo - MPS students can participate in studio arts, dance, music, photography, and theater. Mercyhurst Prep offers 49 courses in the performing and visual arts, and the arts faculty is comprised of active award-winning artists who are regularly engaged in exhibiting, performing, and teaching in the community.]( "Mercyhurst Preparatory School Photo - MPS students can participate in studio arts, dance, music, photography, and theater. Mercyhurst Prep offers 49 courses in the performing and visual arts, and the arts faculty is comprised of active award-winning artists who are regularly engaged in exhibiting, performing, and teaching in the community.")
(Catholic)
538 E Grandview Blvd
Erie, PA 16504
(814) 824-2210
Erie, PA 16504
(814) 824-2210
2.9 miles
Gr: 8-12 | 497 students Avg. class size: 23 students Sports: 15 | Extracurrculars: 34 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Triumphant Life Christian Academy
(Christian)
5651 Perry Hwy
Erie, PA 16509
(814) 464-1554
Erie, PA 16509
(814) 464-1554
4.1 miles
Gr: 3-9 | 2 students
1781 W 38th St
Erie, PA 16508
(814) 868-2365
Erie, PA 16508
(814) 868-2365
4.3 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 244 students Avg. class size: 17 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Harborcreek Youth Services
All-boys | Alternative School
5712 Iroquois Ave
Harborcreek, PA 16421
(814) 899-7664
Harborcreek, PA 16421
(814) 899-7664
5 miles
Gr: 6-12 | 56 students
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
220 West 11th Street
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 454-0106
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 454-0106
1.6 miles
Gr: K-8 | 114 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition listed
St. James Elementary School
(Catholic)
2602 Buffalo Rd
Erie, PA 16510
(814) 899-3429
Erie, PA 16510
(814) 899-3429
2.3 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 249 students
St. Luke School
(Catholic)
425 E 38th St
Erie, PA 16504
(814) 825-7105
Erie, PA 16504
(814) 825-7105
2.5 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 329 students Tuition listed
Mercyhurst Preparatory School ![Mercyhurst Preparatory School Photo - MPS students can participate in studio arts, dance, music, photography, and theater. Mercyhurst Prep offers 49 courses in the performing and visual arts, and the arts faculty is comprised of active award-winning artists who are regularly engaged in exhibiting, performing, and teaching in the community.]( "Mercyhurst Preparatory School Photo - MPS students can participate in studio arts, dance, music, photography, and theater. Mercyhurst Prep offers 49 courses in the performing and visual arts, and the arts faculty is comprised of active award-winning artists who are regularly engaged in exhibiting, performing, and teaching in the community.")
(Catholic)
538 E Grandview Blvd
Erie, PA 16504
(814) 824-2210
Erie, PA 16504
(814) 824-2210
2.9 miles
Gr: 8-12 | 497 students Avg. class size: 23 students Sports: 15 | Extracurrculars: 34 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
1372 W 6th St
Erie, PA 16505
(814) 452-4273
Erie, PA 16505
(814) 452-4273
3.3 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 249 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 9 Tuition listed
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Elizabeth Black School
Special Education School
136 East Ave
Erie, PA 16507
(814) 453-7661
Erie, PA 16507
(814) 453-7661
- miles
Gr: PK | 215 students
Erie KinderCare ![Erie KinderCare Photo - Toddler Classroom]( "Erie KinderCare Photo - Toddler Classroom")
Daycare / Preschool
625 Holland St.
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 453-5260
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 453-5260
1.1 miles
Gr: NS-PK | 118 students
Early Connections City Center Childcare
Daycare / Preschool
704 State Street
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 456-4576
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 456-4576
1.3 miles
Gr: NS | 13 students
St. James Elementary School
(Catholic)
2602 Buffalo Rd
Erie, PA 16510
(814) 899-3429
Erie, PA 16510
(814) 899-3429
2.3 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 249 students
St. Luke School
(Catholic)
425 E 38th St
Erie, PA 16504
(814) 825-7105
Erie, PA 16504
(814) 825-7105
2.5 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 329 students Tuition listed
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
11911 Bond St
East Springfield, PA 16411
(814) 756-9400
East Springfield, PA 16411
(814) 756-9400
9441.3 miles
Gr: K-5 | 162 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
(Math: 26% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
150 Harthan Way
Albion, PA 16401
(814) 756-9400
Albion, PA 16401
(814) 756-9400
9441.9 miles
Gr: 6-8 | 266 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
200 Harthan Way
Albion, PA 16401
(814) 756-9400
Albion, PA 16401
(814) 756-9400
9441.9 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 398 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
10450 John Williams Avenue
Albion, PA 16401
(814) 756-9400
Albion, PA 16401
(814) 756-9400
9442.1 miles
Gr: K-5 | 350 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
(Math: 69% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2556 Maple Ave
Lake City, PA 16423
(814) 774-5602
Lake City, PA 16423
(814) 774-5602
9443.5 miles
Gr: PK-4 | 526 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
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