The School in Rose Valley is a co-ed preschool through 6th grade founded in the progressive educational tradition in 1929 and accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Private Academic Schools. SRV's program includes traditional studies as well as special subjects including art, music, woodshop, computers, sports and library. Class sizes are small and the student-teacher ratio allows for close relationships between teachers and students as well as between teachers and families. The school's mission is to teach young children and to encourage their joy of discovery and spirit of inquiry by offering them experiences that make learning come alive. We seek to foster in our students the sense of well-being and confidence that enables them to appreciate others and find enduring meaning in their lives.

SRV is located on an 8.5 acre campus one mile from downtown Media and fifteen miles from center city Philadelphia. For more information or directions, please call 610-566-1088, or e-mail to [email protected].

About the School

Since its founding in 1929, The School in Rose Valley has provided a supportive, engaging learning environment for children in preschool through sixth grade. The founders of SRV designed an intentionally small school where children learn through child-centered experience, inquiry, and exploration.

This progressive tradition continues to thrive at SRV today. Here, in our wooded campus, children develop an appreciation of nature and learn the importance and responsibility of living in a democratic community. They are expertly guided toward knowledge and meaning by trusted adults who help them develop problem-solving skills, think independently, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively.

Our curriculum is presented whole to part with an emphasis on big concepts. Students are viewed as thinkers with emerging theories, relevant questions and important points of view to explore. Our young scientists, artists, mathematicians and writers flourish in intimate classes that allow for individual instruction, attention and challenge. Biotic indexing in Ridley Creek, designing sets for a Shakespeare production, mapping out the campus with blocks, designing web pages, developing service learning projects, or learning to use a band saw in woodshop are all part of our students' day to day life.


Children at SRV play and learn with heart and soul. They read great books, sing and perform with passion, explore concepts in depth, and learn to mentor with grace. Learning here is sometimes muddy, messy and loud; while other times it is quiet, thoughtful and reflective. Time, space and strong relationships support this rich learning environment. This approach develops the habits of mind that empower children to live full, rich and productive lives.