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Hi Neighbor,
The start of a new school year brings a mix of emotions β excitement, nerves, anticipation, and maybe even a little resistance (from kids and grownups alike!). After long summer days of flexibility and fun, shifting back into school mode can feel like a big ask.
The good news? With a little intention and creativity, you can help ease the transition and even make it something to look forward to. Here are some simple, unique ways to help kids get into the right mindset for school:
- Create a βBack-to-School Bucket Listβ β Include things like choosing a new bookbag, planning the first-day outfit, visiting the school playground, or making a special breakfast together before the big day.
- Spark Curiosity β Visit a local museum, science center, or nature trail. Ask open-ended questions that get kids thinking, wondering, and imagining β all of which lay the groundwork for learning.
- Practice Independence β Let younger children pack their own lunch (with guidance) or choose their school supplies. A little autonomy can build a lot of confidence.
- Talk About the Year Ahead β What are they excited for? Nervous about? Helping kids name their feelings β and normalize them β can go a long way in calming first-day jitters.
- Morning Dress Rehearsalsβ
A few βpractice morningsβ can make a big difference. Try running through a full morning routine β getting up, dressed, fed, and out the door β just for fun (bonus points for adding music or a timer challenge).
- Create a Back-to-School Vision Boardβ
Use magazines, printouts, or drawings to make a collage of things theyβre excited about: favorite subjects, sports, new friends, books, or goals. Itβs a creative way to make the year feel positive and full of possibilities.
- Set a Family Intentional Goalβ
Instead of only academic goals, set a shared family intention β like βmore family dinners during the weekβ or βeveryone reads 10 minutes before bed.β It helps everyone feel aligned and supported.
- Plan a First-Week Celebrationβ
Mark the end of the first week with something fun β an ice cream night, movie picnic, or favorite dinner. Knowing thereβs something to look forward to can help ease first-day nerves.
This time of year is about more than shopping lists and new shoes β itβs a moment to reset, refocus, and support our kids as they grow into new challenges.
In this Education Guide, you'll find a list of local schools opening their doors to families just like yours. From open house events to personalized tours, these schools are ready to share what makes their communities special.
Hereβs to a smooth start, a strong mindset, and a school year full of discovery.
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Malvern Preparatory School's innovative approach to teaching and learning engages and inspires today's young men to become tomorrow's leaders through inquisitive thinking, character development, and lifelong friendships.
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Through a challenging, college-preparatory program steeped in the Catholic Augustinian values of Truth, Unity, and Love, we guide our students on their journey inward as they discover themselves and the world around them.
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Empowered by their teachers and peers, students achieve at the highest levels in academics, athletics, the arts, and service. More importantly, they grow into men of character who go forth to lead with humility and heart.
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Visit Malvern Prep at their Open House on Saturday, October 18, to explore all Malvern has to offer your son.Fall Open House: Saturday, October 18, 8:30 a.m.
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βFall Entrance Exams: October 5, October 26, November 22, 8:30 a.m.
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βmalvernprep.orgβ
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The Crefeld School is a small-by-design, intentionally different, gender inclusive, college prep school for grades 7-12.
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Crefeld empowers students to grow to their strengths, find meaning in their learning, and feel ownership of their school community. A robust advisory system, challenging academics, a focus on social justice and service, and authentic relationships, allow students to become their best selves.
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Who comes to Crefeld?
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Smart, creative, collaborative students from varied backgrounds, who want to take ownership of their learning and are looking for: a progressive, safe, student-centered school that values them; learning and/or emotional support in a college prep environment.
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βOpen House Datesβ
10/18/25 - 10am
12/11/25 - 9am
2/12/26 - 9am
4/25/26 - 10am
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βcrefeld.orgβ
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Villa Maria Academy High School
370 Central Ave.; 610-644-2551
βVMAHS.orgβ
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Villa Maria Academy High School is an independent Catholic college preparatory school founded by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, where motivated young women grow with intention and uplift others in a faith-filled and nurturing community.
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Located on 45 acres at the west end of the Main Line in Malvern, Villa Maria encourages students to build lives of purpose at a pivotal time in life through process-driven intellectual rigor, excellence in athletics and the arts, spiritual growth, and a commitment to service.
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Fall Open House (6th, 7th, and 8th grades): Oct. 5, 9 am to noon, register online.
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Dance Company Experience (7th and 8th grades): Oct. 5, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, register online.
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8th Grade Entrance-Scholarship Exams: Sept. 27 or Oct. 19
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8th Grade Visit Villa Days: Sept. 23, 29, Oct. 7 & 20, Nov. 4, 17
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Register at VMAHS.org/eventsβ
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At Holy Child School at Rosemont, children become kind, confident leaders in our joyful community.
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We provide students in preschool through Grade 8 with an uplifting education and joyful opportunities to play, create, and serve others.
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Register for an upcoming Discovery Day to learn about the transformative student experience at Holy Child. You will see our classrooms in action and, more importantly, meet our student leaders who act with kindness, care, and confidence.
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Fall Open House Dates (2025)
Thursday, October 2
Tuesday, October 28
Thursday, November 20
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βHolyChildRosemont.org/Visitβ
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Benchmark Schoolβs holistic program uniquely equips students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences to become successful and self-confident students.
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If youβre looking for a warm and effective school for your child with dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning differences, we encourage you to investigate Benchmark School. Located in Media, Benchmark School has been the regionβs premier school supporting students in grades 1-8 with learning differences since 1970.
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Benchmark has long been a pioneer in literacy education, well-known for its evidence-based approach. While recognizing the importance of reading as a foundation, Benchmark is deeply intentional about teaching students how to learn and to take charge of their own education.
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Open Houses:
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Thursday, July 16, 2026
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βLearn more about Open Houses here.β
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βbenchmarkschool.orgβ
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βMain Line Education Guideβ
Our Education Guides highlights local schools, tutors and after-school enrichment programs in and around the Philadelphia suburbs.
2025 Upcoming Publication Dates: September 16, October 7, November 4, December 9
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Email info@mainlineneighbors.com for information, and to be listed.
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