The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD) is the recipient of a $450,000 grant from the renowned Longwood Foundation.

The grant, Strong Roots & New Growth, will provide critical assistance to the school district as it implements an innovative full-day kindergarten program beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.

“UCFSD is honored to have the support of the Longwood Foundation as we provide all of our youngest learners with equitable access to early education,” said School Board President Victoria Baratta. She added that while some families with the financial means supplement UCFSD’s current half-day program, this option is not possible for many UCFSD families.

UCFSD expects an increase in enrollment as a result of full-day kindergarten program.

Thanks to the grant, families can expect their students to explore more, including in a native plant garden honoring the Lenape people. 

“Our curriculum will prioritize high academic standards through nature-based learning,” said Superintendent John Sanville. “Students will build the essential skills they need for the future, including creativity, collaboration and connection to the past and the present.”

According to assistant superintendent Tim Hoffman, the program will do more than just provide a strong academic foundation. 

“We can also proactively intervene with students experiencing academic, behavioral, mental or physical health challenges and set our youngest learners on a path for success,” Hoffman said.

UCFSD has a long history of partnership with Longwood Gardens, including a shared leadership development program. The district looks forward to strengthening that partnership through its full-day kindergarten program.

The Longwood Foundation grant will fund support for curriculum writing, professional development and materials.

UCFSD registration for the 2025-2026 academic year will open on Feb. 1, 2025. In order to be eligible, students residing in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District must have attained the age of five years on or before Sept. 1, 2025.

Those with questions are invited to visit the UCFSD website or contact UCFSD Director of Communications & Community Relations Nikki Laroya at [email protected].