In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, SCH Admissions will be hosting regular information sessions online so families can get a feel for who we are without having to come to campus. We will discuss the admissions timeline, be introduced to students & faculty, and dive into how SCH differs as an academic platform that prepares the next generation for world beyond SCH.
We're also offering the opportunity to schedule 1:1 admissions conversations with the Admissions Director specific to the division of interest: Early Childhood (coed, 18 months to 4 years), Lower (single-sex, Pre-K to 4th), Middle (single-sex, 5th to 8th), or Upper School(coed, 9th to 12th). Click "Contact Us" below to get started.
For more information on how SCH is responding to COVID-19 with plans for reopening on September 8 (and remote learning information), please visit our COVID-19 page for details.
Early Childhood Education at SCH is all about the child's love for exploration, curiosity, and wonder. Created under the Reggio Emilia philosophy, ECC is all about child-centered, teach-guided education in a relationship-driving environment. Our preschoolers are fortunate to have the backdrop of SCH at the doorstep, allowing them to navigate the child-sized playground 30 steps away, or venture out in their WonderWagons for a day at the edge of the Wissahickon Wood on the other side of our 62-acre campus.
We believe in the importance of a deep connection with the natural world and the importance of play for children. The single-sex Lower School (Pre-K to Grade 4), housed in the breathtaking, state-of-the-art McCausland Lower School, offers our students an unparalleled experience. From exploring the accessible Wissahickon in our backyard to New Media tools in our Maker Space, children have the opportunity to develop an understanding of their strengths and affinities, the courage to try new things, and the resilience to try again.
Wondering what makes SCH different? Step into our single-sex Middle School (Grades 5-8), see the energy of our teachers, and learn more about the unique programs our students love. Whether students are interested in robotics, the orchestra, creative writing, US history, geometry, digital publishing, or social entrepreneurship, there is an avenue to explore your passion. Our talented faculty are here to ensure classes are engaging and hands-on with students at the center of every activity.
At SCH, our coed Upper School students (Grades 9-12) are challenged to grow as individuals and leaders. Guided by our experienced college counseling staff, students build strong academic resumes that speak to their strengths and earn them entrance into the nation’s top colleges and universities. Come visit our trademarked Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) program, Robotics and Engineering, Arts and New Media, and championship-winning athletics—all housed on our 62-acre campus located on the edge of Philly.
We are taking the utmost care to ensure our entire community is kept safe and healthy during this uncertain and ever-changing time. Updated on a daily/weekly basis, SCH has prepared for every scenario. Learning from SCH@Home (March 14-June 5, 2020 online learning), SCH will remain nimble, offering opportunities for online learning, partial-campus capacity education, and using the re-openings for Early Childhood and Summer Camp from June-August as guiding experiences for how to operate safely for the school year.
At SCH, we consider all applicants regardless of income and make affordability an option for all. Tuition includes books, class field trips, a school-issued personal laptop or iPad (grade-specific), art supplies, sports uniforms, performing arts costumes, and various necessities through extracurricular clubs and activities (such as FIRST Robotics & Engineering teams). Through a generous grant received during May 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, SCH is able to provide additional financial aid for families as well as keep faculty on staff.
As educators, we have learned and grown exponentially since deploying SCH@Home last spring when the state issued COVID mandates and schools were shuttered. Feedback from parents, students, and faculty have helped shape our remote learning plan along with robust professional development over the summer months. Our faculty have extended themselves to explore, discover, and adapt in ways never before imagined. They will be combining their expertise with many of the distance-learning giants in the field. The strong partnership SCH enjoys with its families will allow us, as a school community, to meet with success during these trying times and beyond.
"My advice to other international students would be to not feel panicked when you come to this country. When I first came here, everything was strange to me because I came from an entirely different culture, and it is OK to feel nervous or uncomfortable. Trying new things is my way out of the morass. I was joining clubs, taking on leadership roles such as class president, and being active in the SCH community. These activities gave me the opportunity to make friends, be socially strong and positive, and gain new insights."
EDWARD '21
Crew. Co-Head of Model UN. Member of Investment Club, Current Events Club, Student Ambassadors, and Student Facilitators.
"My favorite tradition at SCH is the Senior and Pre-K buddies! I absolutely love the idea of tying our community together by cultivating the relationship between the oldest and youngest members of our student body. The tradition offers a chance for the youngest members of our community to learn from our leaders, and for our leaders to set an example for those of the future. In fact, when I was in Pre-K, I vividly remember looking up to my senior buddy in complete wonder as both a role model and leader of our school."
AMANDA '22
Tennis, Squash, and Lacrosse Player. Member of Student Ambassadors, Service Council, Players, and the Alliance for Racial Equality Club.
"SCH is very diverse. I always feel encouraged to think outside the box and follow my passions. SCH's culture allows me to be exactly who I want to be. Unlike neighborhood schools, you’re getting kids from different areas instead of just one place."
RJ '22
Varsity Football Player. Varsity Wrestler. Member of Student Ambassadors and BSU.
"My transition from being homeschooled to SCH was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I became increasingly nervous as the start of school arrived and started to second guess my decision to go to private school. However, on my first day of preseason for soccer I was immediately greeted by a bunch of friendly people who made me feel at home. These people are now some of my best friends."
LILY '22
Soccer Player. Member of Student Ambassadors, Pop-Up Poetry Club, Yearbook, and Players.
"Teachers are always willing to help you if you are having issues or problems in or outside of school. When I was out with a concussion for a long time, the school and faculty made it easy for me to get back into everything without having to repeat anything. They were extremely accommodating. I always advise everyone to use the resources and teachers provided because they will help you very much."
VINCE '20
College Attending: Washington & Lee University
SCH Activities: Soccer Player. Co-President of the Student Body. Member of Hilltones (A Cappella group).
"My favorite part of the school day is assembly. I love having the opportunity for everyone in the Upper School community to gather and be with one another. The tradition of seniors writing speeches to the Upper School about experiences in their lives or lessons they’ve learned has been very impactful for me, and I think it makes everyone feel more connected to one another."
Chandler '22
Track. Players. Member of Honor Council, Student Ambassadors, Cappies, and Yearbook.
While we are planning for all potential scenarios, the current guidelines we have received allow us to open for on-campus instruction on September 8. The task forces we put in place in March—Health and Safety, Teaching and Learning, Faculty and Staff Support, Financial Planning, Wellness, and Campus Operations and Logistics—have been working assiduously to oversee these reopening plans, including classroom and common space concerns, physical distancing directives, daily health screenings, and more.
