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 education should be an evolving journey where each experience builds on the last. Dewey advocated for education that connects school activities to students’ lives, making learning meaningful and memorable. Since 1929, SRV has embraced this approach, encouraging students to pursue their interests while providing a robust foundation for future success.
At SRV, our curriculum interweaves academic subjects with the arts, play, and hands-on activities, connecting heads, hands, and hearts. Students engage in a rich blend of literacy, math, science, social studies, languages, technology, art, music, and unstructured play. This integrated approach helps them see connections between concepts and develop essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. Our students are active learners who follow their own curiosity, gradually building a holistic understanding of the world.
The story of SRV is deeply intertwined with the history of progressive education in America. In the early 1900s, the Progressive Education Association (PEA) was at the forefront of educational reform. It counted among its founders Marietta Johnson, principal of the Organic School in Fairhope, Alabama, who championed education based on the natural development of children. The PEA aimed to make education more child-centered, holistic, and responsive to individual needs, an ethos that resonates strongly with SRV’s approach today.
In 1929, a group of Rose Valley residents sought guidance from Dr. Carson Ryan of Swarthmore College to establish a school for their children. Dr. Ryan recommended Grace Rotzel, a teacher from the Organic School and a protégé of Marietta Johnson, to lead the new school. With her leadership, SRV grew into a community where children could learn through experience and exploration. Grace Rotzel served as principal for over 30 years, laying the foundation for the progressive principles that still guide the school.
SRV’s commitment to progressive education has remained steadfast over the decades. In 2004, as part of its seventy-fifth anniversary celebration, SRV hosted a national conference titled Progressive Education in the 21st Century. The conference brought together educators from progressive schools across the country to reflect on the state of education and to explore the ongoing relevance of Dewey’s ideas. Notably, it sparked the revival of the Progressive Education Network (PEN), which has since hosted numerous national conferences and continues to advocate for progressive educational practices.
Today, SRV stands as a proud example of the PEA’s Seven Principles of Progressive Education. These guiding tenets, which emphasize natural development, intrinsic motivation, the teacher as a guide, and the importance of physical development, are still alive in our classrooms. We believe in fostering a school environment that feels like a second home, where learning extends beyond the classroom and connects to the world around us.
Learn More About Progressive EducationThroughout its history, SRV has been a center for educational innovation and reform. We have held firmly to our mission: to know and love each child, nurture their enthusiasm for learning, and inspire them to make a positive difference in their world. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to our roots in progressive education and to cultivating a community where every child can grow, explore, and thrive.
We invite you to join us as we continue this journey, honoring the legacy of those who came before us while embracing new ways to foster a love of learning in every student. Visit our campus and discover for yourself how SRV is shaping the next generation of thinkers, creators, and compassionate citizens.
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