SRS Mission Statement:

The fundamental aim of the SRS education is to help prepare our young people for the whole of life, both today and tomorrow. We live in a diverse society in which our young people will become active participants who create and assimilate knowledge. We seek to provide them with a rich and challenging educational program which will help them to develop the knowledge, skills and habits of mind to participate in that diverse society, in a changing world, with strength of character.

About Swarthmore Rutledge School:

Swarthmore-Rutledge School is among a select group of elementary schools nationwide to receive the designation of “Blue Ribbon” school from the United States Department of Education. SRS provides a positive, nurturing environment which helps foster student success by encouraging a love of learning. Our fundamental aim is to help prepare our young people for the whole of life, both today and tomorrow. We seek to provide our students with a rich and challenging educational program which will help them to develop the knowledge, skills and habits of mind to participate in our diverse and changing world. Throughout our school, there is an emphasis on developmental and academic growth with high expectations and value placed on the arts. Parent involvement in all facets of school life is among the priorities of our school.

Interaction with school’s six sending communities and working partnership with Swarthmore College are important resources that offer unique learning experiences to enrich student life.

The academic program is designed to help students to fully realize their learning potential. To that end, a broad range of programs is in place and new initiatives regularly introduced, enabling teachers to respond effectively to students’ individual learning styles. The basic curriculum includes instruction in language arts (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), mathematics, science, social studies, art, music, and physical education. Students also have the opportunity to participate in chorus and instrumental music instruction.

The elementary guidance counselor, instructional support teacher, librarian, and reading specialists collaborate with classroom teachers to provide an educational program focused on children’s needs. Support classes and services are available for reading intervention, learning disabilities, speech and language, physical/occupational therapy, English as a Second Language, and enrichment.

Classrooms are equipped with computers having on-line access and technology is integrated into the instructional program. A variety of cultural programs are brought into the school and trips are taken to sites in the community and surrounding areas.

School-home communication is vital to our school’s success. Parent-teacher conferences are formally scheduled two times per year and report cards are issued twice per year. Parents can avail themselves of a wide variety of volunteer opportunities.

Additionally, parents are always welcome to visit our classrooms to become better acquainted with teachers, staff members, and school facilities. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher or principal whenever questions or concerns arise.