Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
An independent school with a bold educational vision for success in college and beyond
Being the largest independent school in Philadelphia does not mean “big”, it means “robust”. There is a place to cultivate passion for everyone at SCH. See what we mean by watching our students describe their favorite places on campus.
Being an inclusive community is not just a phrase in our mission statement, it is a value that we truly abide by and live into through our mindful and ever-present Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices played out in each and every student, faculty member and staff. We are committed to cultivating empathy and inclusion, and to nurturing the authentic expression of every individual.
Single-Sex to Coed
At SCH, our students learn in a single-sex elementary and middle school environment followed by a coed high school experience. This allows our youngest students to be free from gender stereotypes while preparing them for the world beyond as they transition to Upper School.
Outdoor Program
Not all classrooms have walls and nature is always knocking at our back door. With the Wissahickon only a stone’s throw away, our curriculum finds innovative ways to incorporate the trees, rocks, streams, and wildlife into everyday lessons.
Entrepreneurship
In SCH’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) program, students build their entrepreneurial mindset—our school’s unique approach to creative problem solving. The curriculum, integrated throughout the Pre-K to 12 experience, encourages students to take on challenges related to their passions. When they graduate, they have a competitive edge and a drive to “build the future.”
Arts & New Media
Writing your own musical score? Making a 1-minute movie? Laser-cutting sea turtle necklaces out of wood? All can be accomplished in SCH’s new media curriculum taught in our fabrication studios, maker spaces, or recording and editing studios.
Robotics
SCH didn’t become the 2019 World Champion Robotics Team just by building a robot or engineering an airplane. Our passionate students learn through teamwork, collaboration, and lots of trial and error—both arriving early to work on extracurricular projects before school and staying late to finish them.
Athletics
SCH students enjoy one of the most outstanding athletic facilities of any independent school in the area and compete at the highest level as part of the prestigious Inter-Ac League. Competition and spirit run high here at SCH; however, our coaches’ core goal is to teach the principles of good sportsmanship alongside confidence, decision-making skills, a sense of responsibility, and leadership.
