The Children's School at Saint John's in Bala Cynwyd is turning 30 and throwing a birthday party to celebrate.
The school, which opened Nov. 6, 1996, plans a community celebration on Friday, Nov. 6, to mark three decades of early childhood education in Lower Merion Township, Mainline Media News reported.
Director Sharon Walton said the school is planning "the simple fun of an old-fashioned birthday party" for the milestone.
The school operates at the Church of Saint John's Lower Merion, an Episcopal parish whose stone buildings date to the late 1890s. It serves children ages three months through six years. Enrollment is open to families of Saint Joseph's University, the church and the broader community.
Over three decades, the school has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a four-star rating under Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS program, certification from the Department of Public Welfare and a private academic license through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The four-star designation is the highest level in the state's voluntary quality rating system for early childhood programs.
Directors Margot Adams and Walton lead the school as it enters its 30th year. Parents quoted in the Mainline Media News article praised the program's staff and close-knit atmosphere. Jeff and Natalie Wheeler, who enrolled all three of their children, said the directors keep students engaged with weekly activities and visiting guests. Matt and Amber Trimble, whose two children have attended since 2021, said the school prepared their kids for elementary school. Mike and Emily Cook said their son looks forward to arriving each morning.
Three decades is a long run. The school's SignUpGenius page has details on the Nov. 6 celebration and donation opportunities. David Russell, the church's senior warden, can be reached at 610-909-1129 for fellowship information.
Upcoming in Lower Merion
- Thursday, Oct. 29: LMSD parent session on children's boundaries and consent
