Sowing Seeds of Excellence: Shipley's Horticulture Program
Sarah Sterling
Horticulture has deeply enriched Shipley’s history. Many of the School’s longest-standing traditions and events are steeped in horticulture, from the concept of ‘Acorns to Oaks,’ to Secret Gardens, and Sprouts’ decades-long involvement in the Philadelphia Flower Show. Even the farm fields on which athletic events are played originated as agricultural land used by the School. Horticulture is embedded in the foundation of Shipley. If tended to, it can provide immediate, continuous, and long-term benefits to the community, as well as tangible evidence of the pursuit of our strategic goals.
As society becomes increasingly urbanized and digitized, knowledge of and exposure to the natural world continues to diminish. The impact of this type of deficit has been thoroughly researched for years, and we now know that access to nature is of paramount importance in establishing and maintaining human well-being. This is especially true when it comes to the social and emotional health of children and adolescents.
Horticulture programming and Sprouts pervasively address the Vision 20/26 goal of Educational Excellence, specifically the strategy to “Re-envision ideas of where we learn, when we learn, and whom we learn from.” And as we broaden the use of horticulture in our School, we not only make a positive impact at Shipley, but on the world as well.
Reaping the Benefits of Horticulture in Education
Horticulture is one way that schools have reconnected young people with the natural world and positively impacted students’ well-being. Studies have shown that:
Students who have access to horticulture programs report feeling “’calm,’ ‘safe,’ ‘happy,’ and ‘relaxed’ in a school garden.” (Habib & Doherty, 2007)
Children who work in gardens are more likely to accept people different from themselves. (Dyment & Bell, 2006)
Students who participated in horticulture-based programs had increased self-understanding, interpersonal skills, and cooperative skills when compared to students who lacked such programming. (Robinson & Zajicek, 2005)
Engineering students worked with faculty to design and build raised garden beds for the Upper and Lower Campuses, and the award-winning Little Seed Library.
Produce from Shipley’s gardens was donated to the Ardmore Food Pantry and used to prepare summer lunches for colleagues on campus.
In the Lower School, students helped to plant and maintain the newly-installed garden beds.
Kindergartners planted fairy gardens in science class for Earth Day.
History and horticulture united for members of the Class of 2021 who spent three weeks at the Lower Merion Baptist Church for their Senior Service Projects. As part of their work, they reconstructed damaged gravesites, designed and installed a new border garden, planted six Victorian cradle graves, and participated in a heritage flag ceremony.
History and horticulture united for members of the Class of 2021 who spent three weeks at the Lower Merion Baptist Church for their Senior Service Projects. As part of their work, they reconstructed damaged gravesites, designed and installed a new border garden, planted six Victorian cradle graves, and participated in a heritage flag ceremony.
When the Flannellys relocated to Philadelphia, they sought a school where all four of their sons could thrive. Shipley stood out—not just for academics and activities, but for the deep, personal support that would shape their confidence and growth.
In Gator Congregation Storytellers and Middle School’s 5 Minutes of Wisdom, students and faculty share personal, heartfelt stories—moments of growth, courage, and connection. These programs foster empathy, trust, and belonging, strengthening the relationships that make Shipley’s community so special.
The Shipley School is proud to celebrate the achievements of our 2025 Alumni Award recipients—three distinguished individuals who embody the values of excellence, leadership, and service in their respective fields.
For over 20 years, Shipley’s partnership with alumna Paige West ’86 and the West Collection has brought world-class contemporary art to the Speer Gallery, inspiring students to think boldly and engage with real-world ideas.
Shipley’s Speer Gallery, led by art teacher Julia Staples, is a vibrant hub for learning and connection, showcasing thought-provoking exhibits that spark conversation and inspire collaboration across subjects like History, Science, and English.
Read about how Shipley changed life for Sissy ffolliott ’70 and why she supports the Centennial Society—ensuring future generations receive the same transformative education and encouragement she experienced over 55 years ago.
Middle School Science Teacher Ace Schwarz recently presented an education-focused project at the prestigious American Astronomical Society (AAS) Conference. Learn how Mx. Schwarz brings NASA research into Shipley’s classrooms, empowering students with authentic data projects and cutting-edge astronomy lessons.
To celebrate Black History Month, Shipley was proud to host Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine, on Monday, February 3. Carlotta spoke to students and faculty about her story - for the right of every child to learn and grow without discrimination. She also spent time with the Black Student Union.
Congratulations to Aarik ’28 and Rohail ’26 for their creativity and award-winning excellence in the CMU CS Academy Fall 2024 Creative Task Competition, hosted by Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science.
Shipley’s Finance Club, hosted Tim Buckley, former CEO of Vanguard, for a discussion on career development, leadership, and the power of curiosity. Buckley shared practical advice on building a fulfilling career, the importance of asking thoughtful questions, and how purpose can drive lasting success.
Shipley’s dynamic history curriculum challenges students to think critically, engage deeply with diverse perspectives, and connect the past to today’s world. Explore how innovative electives and passionate educators bring history to life in 11th and 12th grade classrooms.
Shipley’s Middle School history classrooms are alive with creativity, immersive projects, and hands-on learning. From muckraking magazines to trench art, students don’t just study history—they experience it, making meaningful connections to the past and present.
The Shipley School Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Ian L. Craig as the next Head of School, effective July 1, 2025. Mr. Craig brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in independent schools and a strong commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and program innovation.
Over the past five years, Shipley’s Cross Country program has surged forward, blending competitive success with a vibrant culture of personal growth and team spirit. This rise has been powered by an engaged community of runners, dedicated coaches, and a program spanning Lower, Middle, and Upper School.
On display in Shipley's Speer Gallery from January 27 - April 4, 2025, an exhibition of paintings and sculptures addressing the urban landscape of Philadelphia.
Ranked #6 in the nation for U15 squash players, Kate reflects on her journey—from her first lesson with Coach Chris to joining Shipley's varsity squash team. Learn how the Shipley Squash Academy shaped her skills, mindset, and love for the game as she continues to tackle new challenges and reach for new heights.
It's easier than ever to stay connected and in the know about all things Shipley with our new mobile app. From calendars and lunch menus to photo galleries, directories, and ShipleyNet, the app keeps everything you need right at your fingertips. It also brings you content from Shipley’s main social media accounts.
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.