Third graders enjoy a month long artist in residence with Jeannine Osayande & Dunya Performing Arts Company.

The month long study of elements of various West African and Brazilian drum, dance and masquerade traditions culminates in a community performance where each classroom performs a different dance.

For 33 years, this residency has stood as a hallmark experience for SRS students, one that reminds us of the joy of learning, the strength of culture, and the magic of coming together.

Each year, our first and second graders embark on an exciting journey of discovery about Asia. Together, they explore the cultures of China, India, and Japan, rotating annually. The program transforms all ten primary classrooms into cultural learning centers, where students “travel” from room to room to participate in hands-on activities. Along the way, they are introduced to the language, literature, music, and folklore of each country, as well as its unique customs, traditions, and crafts. Whether practicing calligraphy, hearing a folktale passed down for generations, or creating a traditional craft to take home, students come away with not only knowledge but also an appreciation for the beauty and diversity of cultures beyond their own. This beloved program has become a highlight of the primary grades at SRS, sparking curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning about the world.

Sparrow House, our outdoor classroom, was created in 1999 as a retirement gift for beloved SRS teacher and principal, Sandy Sparrow.

The original structure served our community well for the past 25 years, and is currently undergoing an initial round of renovations made possible by the Home & School’s Sparrow House Fund. The first phase includes current structure removal, new outdoor space and new landscaping. 

All of us–as members of the SRS and Swarthmore communities–are caretakers of this special space. May Sparrow House always symbolize peace, hope, kindness...and Sandy.

Each year, a visiting artist works with the 5th grade to create an art installation that the students leave as their legacy gift to SRS. The students learn about aesthetic vision, public art and the importance of working with a community in a collaborative way. After the project is completed, there is a reveal that allows family members and friends to see the work the students put into their project.

At SRS, we make 5th grade a special capstone year filled with unique experiences and lasting memories. Students showcase their creativity in the Invention Convention, explore ecosystems on a field trip to the Wetlands Institute, and enjoy social milestones like a pool party and 5th grade dance. A moving-up ceremony honors their accomplishments, and the collaborative 5th grade art project leaves a legacy gift for the school community.