City Curriculum

The SPS City Curriculum immerses our students in engaging, Philadelphia-specific experiences that seamlessly integrate into classroom learning, enhancing the content by making it even more relatable and relevant to the real world.

Historic Philadelphia’s Only Independent School

As the only PS–Grade 8 independent school in Historic Philadelphia, our City Curriculum connects students to the city’s rich historical, artistic, cultural, business, culinary, political, philanthropic, and ecological resources. By partnering with a diverse set of organizations, our students gain a truly immersive urban experience.

A City School with a City Heart

At SPS, our connection to both the surrounding community and the broader cityscape helps our students develop an early and lasting appreciation for the City of Brotherly Love.

Building Community Connections

We believe that students retain information better when they experience it firsthand rather than just reading about it. The City Curriculum enhances learning and fosters stronger bonds with our communities and the city at large.

Explore, Understand, Connect

Through the ongoing development and implementation of the City Curriculum, we explore Philadelphia in both small and large scales, uncovering the city’s “hidden gems” and bringing in experts to deepen understanding of classroom topics.

Teachers utilize this shared curriculum to enrich classroom learning with city experiences, facilitating collaboration and shared experiences across grade levels.