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There are some big changes at the Main Line region’s private, parochial and alternative schools—and we have the scoop.
ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR
What’s new: Under the ND Cares initiative, Notre Dame is expanding its student support services department and partnering with the JED Foundation and the Social Institute to prioritize mental health on campus. Private. Grades 6 through 12, girls only. 560 Sproul Road, Villanova, (610) 687-0650, ndapa.org
AGNES IRWIN SCHOOL
What’s new: A partnership with the Goldman Sachs Gives program to promote the advancement of women and girls in technology. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 12, girls only. 275 S. Ithan Ave., Rosemont, (610) 801-1869, agnesirwin.org
Working with AI technology at AIM Academy. Photo courtesy of AIM Academy
AIM ACADEMY
What’s new: An AI curriculum with M.I.T. researchers. Alternative. Serving bright students with language-based learning differences. 1200 River Road, Conshohocken, (215) 483-2461, aimpa.org
ARCHBISHOP JOHN CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL
What’s new: A partnership with La Salle University that allows students to earn college credits during their junior and senior years at no cost. Parochial. Grades 9 through 12, coed. 211 Matsonford Road, Radnor, (610) 688-7610, jcarroll.org
The Baldwin School’s new Innovation Center. Photo courtesy of the Baldwin School
THE BALDWIN SCHOOL
What’s new: The new Innovation Center, which serves as an interdisciplinary hub to prepare students for the job market, focusing on problem-solving, creativity, teamwork and adaptability. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 12, girls only. 701 Montgomery Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 525-2700, baldwinschool.org
A rendering of the Benchmark School’s new playground. Photo courtesy of Benchmark School
BENCHMARK SCHOOL
What’s new: Revamped learning spaces and an upgraded playground featuring play elements that are the first of their kind in the United States. Alternative. Serving bright students who learn differently or have yet to reach their academic potential. 2107 N. Providence Road, Media, (610) 565-3741, benchmarkschool.org
BISHOP SHANAHAN HIGH SCHOOL
What’s new: Touchscreen technology in all classrooms and common spaces, allowing teachers to move seamlessly between content and resources without disrupting a lesson’s flow. Parochial. Grades 9 through 12, coed. 220 Woodbine Road, Downingtown, (610) 518-1300, shanahan.org
CARDINAL O’HARA HIGH SCHOOL
What’s new: An expanded arts program, enhanced front lobby security, updated classrooms that allow for more collaborative learning, and centers for STEAM, esports and multimedia. Parochial. Grades 9 through 12, coed. 1701 S. Sproul Road, Springfield, (610) 544-3800, cohs.com
CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY
What’s new: An increased focus on diversity, inclusion and belonging by highlighting each student’s culture through instruction and play. Private. Six weeks through grade 5, coed. 141 Arrandale Blvd., Exton; 906 S. Media Line Road, Newtown Square; 3841 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (877) 322-2852; 201 S. Atwater Drive, Malvern, (877) 959-4183; 1220 Ward Ave., West Chester, (610) 719-0240; 1560 Bradford Road, Wayne, (877) 959-4183; 1190 McDermott Drive, West Chester, (610) 719-0240; chesterbrookacademy.com
CHURCH FARM SCHOOL
What’s new: The Buck Family Center for the Arts, a multimillion-dollar project that encourages creativity and self-expression through advanced performing and visual arts facilities. Private. Boarding/day, grades 9 through 12, boys only. 1001 E. Lincoln Hwy., Exton, (610) 363-7500, gocfs.net
DELAWARE COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
What’s new: A new student union that provides students with an innovative space for learning and collaboration. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 12, coed. 462 Malin Road, Newtown Square, (610) 353-6522, dccs.org
A film class at Delaware Valley Friends School. Photo courtesy of Delaware Valley Friends School
DELAWARE VALLEY FRIENDS SCHOOL
What’s new: The school’s seventh original film, which was written, performed and scored by students and directed and filmed by two alumni. Alternative. A Quaker education for students who learn differently but are academically high-scoring. 19 E. Central Ave., Paoli, (610) 640-4150, dvfs.org
DEVON PREPARATORY SCHOOL
What’s new: The school has joined forces with social media tech startup Life Brand to offer social media audit and management technology, educating students on the power of positive branding, both online and off. Private. Grades 6 through 12, boys only. 363 N. Valley Forge Road, Devon, (610) 688-7337, devonprep.com
EPISCOPAL ACADEMY
What’s new: Construction on a new Lower School playground begins this fall, with an expected completion date of Spring 2023. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 12, coed. 1785 Bishop White Drive, Newtown Square, (484) 424-1400, episcopalacademy.org
FRIENDS’ CENTRAL SCHOOL
What’s new: A welcome addition to the existing organic farm, a new greenhouse is enhancing the science program as it expands outdoor classrooms. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 12, coed. Lower School Campus: 228 Old Gulph Road, Wynnewood, (610) 642-7575. City Avenue Campus: 1101 City Ave., Wynnewood, (610) 649-7440. friendscentral.org
FRIENDS SCHOOL HAVERFORD
What’s new: A fresh focus on the value of natural resources where students gain hands-on experience as stewards of the environment. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 5, coed. 851 Buck Lane, Haverford, (610) 642-2334, friendshaverford.org
GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
What’s new: Ground has been broken on a 25,000-square-foot health and wellness center, with an expected completion date of Fall 2023. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 12, coed. 340 Morris Road, Fort Washington, (215) 646-3300, germantownacademy.net
GERMANTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL
What’s new: After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the school is once again offering travel-based study and cultural exchanges in the United Kingdom, Mexico, France, Costa Rica, Greece and Peru. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 12, coed. 31 W. Coulter St., Philadelphia, (215) 951-2300, germantownfriends.org
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GEORGE CROTHERS MEMORIAL SCHOOL
What’s new: An accessible library that provides vocational opportunities for students to gain valuable work experience. Aternative. Serving children with intellectual and physical disabilities. 401 Rutgers Ave., Swarthmore, (610) 328-5955, cades.org
GLADWYNE MONTESSORI SCHOOL
What’s new: Many redevelopment projects are set to debut this fall, including additional outdoor spaces and updates to enhance student safety. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 6, coed. 920 Youngsford Road, Gladwyne, (610) 228-0445, gladwyne.org
THE HAVERFORD SCHOOL
What’s new: Head of school Tyler Casertano (see page 37), along with a recently purchased 43-acre parcel of land in Radnor. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 12, boys only. 450 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, (610) 642-3020, haverford.org
HILL TOP PREPARATORY SCHOOL
What’s new: Enhanced programming in visual and performing arts, plus fresh partnerships with companies, colleges, schools and nonprofit organizations to help students develop and hone executive functioning and social skills. Alternative. Serving students with learning disabilities. 737 S. Ithan Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 527-3230, hilltopprep.org
HOLY CHILD ACADEMY
What’s new: A Montessori-influenced program starting at 2 years of age and continuing through kindergarten. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 8, coed. 475 Shadeland Ave., Drexel Hill, (610) 259-2712, holychildacademy.com
HOLY CHILD SCHOOL AT ROSEMONT
What’s new: A multi-sport turf field and a performing arts and athletic center, with an outdoor education center coming soon. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 8, coed. 1344 Montgomery Ave., Rosemont, (610) 922-1000, holychildrosemont.org
JACK M. BARRACK HEBREW ACADEMY
What’s new: A complete refresh of the Upper School wing, plus the new Center for Student and Jewish Life.Private. Grades 6 through 12, coed. 272 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 922-2300, jbha.org
KIMBERTON WALDORF SCHOOL
What’s new: Renovated classrooms and a kindergarten program that now includes an outdoor forest education class. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 12, coed. 410 W. Seven Stars Road, Kimberton, (610) 933-3635, kimberton.org
MAIN LINE CLASSICAL ACADEMY
What’s new: A new college guidance program that assists students with the planning process starting in middle school. Private. Kindergarten through grade 12, coed. 455 S. Roberts Road, Bryn Mawr, (610) 525-2300, mainlineclassical.org
MALVERN PREPARATORY SCHOOL
What’s new: Upcoming projects include a center for college counseling, learning support and administration, renovation of the middle school, two turf fields, and the Student Experience Center. Private. Grades 6 through 12, boys only. 418 S. Warren Ave., Malvern, (484) 595-1100, malvernprep.org
MEDIA-PROVIDENCE FRIENDS SCHOOL
What’s new: Expanding the early childhood program to include students as young as 2. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 8, coed. 125 W. Third St., Media, (610) 565-1960, mpfs.org
MERION MERCY ACADEMY
What’s new: A new strategic plan is empowering students to pursue their independent interests through internships and experiential learning. Private. Grades 9 through 12, girls only. 511 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station, (610) 664-6655, merion-mercy.com
MONSIGNOR BONNER & ARCHBISHOP PRENDERGAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
What’s new: An innovative dual-enrollment program that allows rising juniors and seniors to earn up to 24 college credits at La Salle University over seven semesters. Parochial. Grades 9 through 12, coed. 403 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill, (610) 259-0280, bonnerprendie.com
MONTGOMERY SCHOOL
What’s new: Children ages 3–4 have a new extended-day option, and the fifth-grade schedule has been revised to better prepare students for middle school. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 8, coed. 1141 Kimberton Road, Chester Springs, (610) 827-7222, montgomeryschool.org
OPEN CONNECTIONS
What’s new: An outdoor pavilion for further learning and exploration. Alternative. Serving students who seek an innovative, collaborative and process-conscious educational environment. 1616 Delchester Road, Newtown Square, (610) 459-3366, openconnections.org
PERELMAN JEWISH DAY SCHOOL
What’s new: Head of school Mitchell Daar brings a fresh vision to the academic program, preparing students for real-life experiences. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 5, coed. Stern Center: 49 Haverford Road, Wynnewood, (610) 658-2518. Forman Center: 7601 Old York Road, Melrose Park, (215) 635-3130. pjds.org
THE PHELPS SCHOOL
What’s new: Through the Laurel Program, the school now offers dual credit courses with Immaculata University and the University of Pittsburgh. Private. Boarding/day, grades 6 through 12, boys only. 583 Sugartown Road, Malvern, (610) 644-1754, thephelpsschool.org
SACRED HEART ACADEMY BRYN MAWR
What’s new: Head of school Carla Jantos MacMullen. Private. Kindergarten through grade 12, girls only. 480 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 527-3915, shabrynmawr.org
ST. ALOYSIUS ACADEMY
What’s new: A state-of-the-art innovation center that allows for collaboration, discussion and instruction and boasts enhanced technology. Private. Kindergarten through grade 8, boys only. 401 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 525-1670, staloysiusacademy.org
A rendering of the new Howley Learning Commons at St. Joseph’s Prep. Photo courtesy of St. Joseph’s Prep
ST. JOSEPH’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL
What’s new: The Howley Learning Commons, which includes enhanced college counseling resources, a design and innovation center, and a virtual reality lab. The school’s theater is also getting an update. Private. Grades 9 through 12, boys only. 1733 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, (215) 978-1950, sjprep.org
SAINT KATHERINE SCHOOL
What’s new: An expanded vocational education curriculum, including a coffee cart where students serve faculty and staff of Archbishop John Carroll High School. Alternative. Special education for students with I.Q.s below 70. 930 Bowman Ave., Wynnewood, (610) 667-3958, stkatherineschool.org
THE SHIPLEY SCHOOL
What’s new: New extracurricular opportunities in STEAM, writing, Latin and athletics. International trips have also returned, offering students the opportunity to travel to France and Costa Rica for immersive study. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 12, coed. 814 Yarrow St., Bryn Mawr, (610) 525-4300, shipleyschool.org
STRATFORD FRIENDS SCHOOL
What’s new: A greenhouse to support the newly instituted Food for Life program. Private. Kindergarten through grade 9, coed. 2 Bishop Hollow Road, Newtown Square, (610) 355-9580, stratfordfriends.org
TECHNICAL COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
What’s new: Build Your Trade, Chester County’s first-ever state-registered pre-apprenticeship program for students studying the construction industry. Alternative. Half-day technical education programs. 455 Boot Road, Downingtown, (484) 237-5000, cciu.org
THE TALK SCHOOL
What’s new: A relocation to Newtown Square. The new campus includes fully outfitted sensorimotor therapy rooms and classrooms to enhance the student experience. Alternative. Serving children with autism and speech/language disorders. 6 Campus Blvd., Newtown Square, (610) 356-5566, talkinc.org
VALLEY FORGE MILITARY ACADEMY
What’s new: A campus in Doha, Qatar. Private. Military boarding, grades 7 through 12 and junior college, coed. 1001 Eagle Road, Wayne, (610) 989-1200, vfmac.edu
VILLA MARIA ACADEMY
What’s new: The updated Pre-K Center and enhanced technology resources to all students. Private. Pre-kindergarten, coed; kindergarten through grade 8, girls only. 280 IHM Drive, Malvern, (610) 644-4864, villamaria.org
VILLA MARIA ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
What’s new: The Theresa Maxis Student Union. Private. Grades 9 through 12, girls only. 370 Central Ave., Malvern, (610) 644-2551, vmahs.org
THE WALDEN SCHOOL
What’s new: Promethean boards in all classrooms. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 8, coed. 901 N. Providence Road, Media, (610) 892-8000, thewaldenschool.org
WALDRON MERCY ACADEMY
What’s new: A transformation in the cafeteria wing has created a multipurpose space where students can gather for lunch, learning, outreach and extracurriculars. Private. Kindergarten through grade 8, coed. 513 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station, (610) 664-9847, waldronmercy.org
Students at Westtown School. Photo courtesy of Westtown School
WESTTOWN SCHOOL
What’s new: Under head of school Chris Benbow, Westtown has updated its long-range strategic vision, prioritizing knowledge, community and environment for the upcoming school year and beyond. Private. Boarding/day, pre-kindergarten through grade 12, coed. 975 Westtown Road, West Chester, (610) 399-0123, westtown.edu
WILLIAM PENN CHARTER SCHOOL
What’s new: An 88,000-square-foot athletics and wellness facility that includes a fitness center, rock wall, athletic training suite, nutrition center, wrestling room and two competition basketball courts. Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 12, coed. 3000 W. School House Lane, Philadelphia, (215) 844-3460, penncharter.com
MORE SCHOOLS…
ARMENIAN SISTERS ACADEMY
Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 8, coed. 440 Upper Gulf Road, Radnor, (610) 687-4100, asaphila.org
THE CAMPHILL SCHOOL
Alternative. Serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 1784 Fairview Road, Glenmoore, (610) 469-9236, camphillschool.org
CASKEY TORAH ACADEMY
Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 8, coed. 742 Argyle Road, Wynnewood, (610) 642-7870, taphila.org
THE CONCEPT SCHOOL
Alternative. Serving students in need of options for academic growth. 1120 E. Street Road, Westtown, (610) 399-1135, theconceptschool.org
EBS CHILDREN’S INSTITUTE
Alternative. Speech therapy, OT, PT and behavioral therapy, plus special needs programs. 200 Skiles Blvd., West Chester, (610) 455-4040, ebschildrensinstitute.com
GOSHEN FRIENDS SCHOOL
Private. Pre-kindergarten through 5 years, coed. 814 N. Chester Road, West Chester, (610) 696-8869, goshenfriends.org
KOHELET YESHIVA SCHOOL
Private. Grades 6 through 12, coed. 223 N. Highland Ave., Merion Station, (610) 667-2020, koheletyeshiva.org
THE MELMARK SCHOOL
Alternative. Serving students with learning difficulties and challenging behaviors. 2600 Wayland Road, Berwyn, (610) 325-4976, melmark.org
THE MIQUON SCHOOL
Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 6, coed. 2025 Harts Lane, Conshohocken, (610) 828-1231, miquon.org
THE SCHOOL IN ROSE VALLEY
Private. Pre-kindergarten through grade 6, coed. 20 School Lane, Rose Valley, (610) 566-1088, theschoolinrosevalley.org
WOODLYNDE SCHOOL
Alternative. Serving students with learning differences, executive function challenges, ADHD and auditory processing disorder. 445 Upper Gulph Road, Strafford, (610) 687-9660, woodlynde.org
Related: How Title IX Impacts Education on the Main Line