About Us - The School in Rose Valley

About The School in Rose Valley

A Legacy of Progressive Education Founded in 1929, The School in Rose Valley (SRV) is a nonsectarian, coeducational school serving preschool through sixth grade. Rooted in the progressive tradition, SRV was established by families from the local Arts and Crafts community who sought a creative, student-centered alternative to traditional education. We honor this legacy by offering an education that is experiential, emergent, and collaborative, preparing students to make a positive impact on the world around them.

Visit the SRV Today Our Strategic Plan

Two students playing with sock puppets at the School at Rose valley outdoor program

Multiple students playing in the dirt during outside time at the school in Rose Valley PA

A student and a teacher sitting down learning in the classroom of The School of Rose Valley

Our Beautiful Campus

Nestled on a wooded 9.5-acre campus just a mile from Media, PA, SRV provides a natural setting where children can explore, play, and learn. Our creekside environment fosters a sense of wonder and discovery, with spaces designed for hands-on learning and outdoor activities. We are located at 20 School Lane, Rose Valley, PA, just 15 miles from Philadelphia, providing a tranquil yet accessible setting for our community.

Our Mission & Core Values

Our mission is simple yet profound:

To know and love our students,
Support their natural enthusiasm for learning and play,
And inspire them to make a positive difference in their world.

At SRV, we believe that childhood is sacred and that learning should be as joyful as it is rigorous. Our students are active participants in their education, engaging with the world around them, and learning through direct experience. With small class sizes and a low teacher-student ratio, we cultivate strong relationships where every child is known and valued. We invite you to visit our campus and witness the unique spirit of SRV, where children grow as independent thinkers, problem-solvers, and compassionate citizens.

Rod Stanton, Head of School

Our Approach to Education

Core Values and Philosophy SRV values diversity, community, and respect for childhood. Our curriculum is integrated, connecting intellectual, emotional, and physical learning. We believe in the power of play as central to a child’s development, and we encourage students to engage with nature, experiment, and pursue their passions. Here, learning has meaning and purpose beyond grades and standardized tests; it’s about developing lifelong learners who are curious, capable, and kind.

Progressive Pedagogy Inspired by the philosophies of John Dewey, SRV promotes a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to education. Our mixed-age classrooms encourage collaboration, while our dedicated teachers build deep, trusting relationships with each student. We prioritize formative assessments and personalized feedback to support each child’s growth, ensuring that learning is meaningful and relevant.

Community and Connection SRV is intentionally small, with approximately 160 students from diverse local communities. We foster a close-knit environment where children, parents, and educators come together to support our shared vision. Our extended care programs and community events provide additional opportunities for families to connect and thrive together.

More About The School in Rose Valley

A teacher with glasses and a beard bends over a table to help a group of young children playing with colorful dominoes and blocks in a classroom. The room has shelves with books and supplies, a ceiling fan, and large windows providing natural light.

Our History

The School in Rose Valley (SRV) was founded on the principles of progressive education, a movement that revolutionized learning by focusing on the whole child. Influenced by the ideas of John Dewey, an American educator and philosopher, SRV believes that...

Progressive Education at The School in Rose Valley

Rooted in the progressive education philosophy pioneered by John Dewey, our approach encourages students to connect what they learn in the classroom to the world around them, making their educational experiences meaningful, memorable, and relevant.

Admissions Process

Here, education begins with a child’s natural curiosity. We recognize that substantive learning occurs when children are actively engaged in making meaning from direct experiences. Our intimate, mixed-age classrooms and creekside campus are laboratories for the hands-on experimentation and authentic inquiry...