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The Souderton Area School District (SASD) includes an area of 49 square miles in Upper Montgomery County. It is the largest school district, in square miles, in the county. The district is situated midway between the cities of Allentown and Philadelphia. Due to its locale the district has the best of both worlds: proximity to the city, while in a semi-rural setting. Six municipalities are within the boundaries of the SASD: the two boroughs of Souderton and Telford and the four townships of Franconia, Lower Salford, Upper Salford and Salford. The population of the school district exceeded 41,000 according to the 2005 census.
SASD Mission Statement
"The Mission of the Souderton Area School District is to prepare students to demonstrate competencies needed to contribute and to succeed in a changing world by building on a commitment to excellence and innovation, by working in partnership with family and community, and by assuring a quality education for all students in a safe and nurturing environment."
Use the links below to learn more about Souderton Area School District:
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A Growing Community
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Souderton Area is a growing community with farmlands becoming home sites at a steady pace. To meet the needs of this growing community, the school district closely monitors student population. Vernfield Elementary, the district's seventh elementary school, opened in September 2003. The opening of Vernfield answered SASD's elementary space concerns. However, at the secondary level crowded conditions have resulted in modular classroom additions at the high school, Indian Crest Junior High, and Indian Valley Middle School.
Plans are underway to construct a new high school on a centrally located tract. Occupancy is expected in September 2009. When completed in 2009, the new Souderton Area High School (SAHS) will include grades 9-12, while Indian Crest Junior High and Indian Valley Middle School will become grades 6-8 buildings.
These two major projects follow several years of addition and renovation projects at district and secondary elementary schools including the most recent gymnasium/auditorium addition at West Broad Street Elementary that was completed in the spring of 2002. All schools in the SASD are now fully air-conditioned.
The school population is currently over 6,700. This total is expected to steadily increase with the number of new developments throughout the school district. The 2005-06 grade structure is: elementary, grades K-5; Indian Valley Middle School, grades 6-7; Indian Crest Junior High, grades 8 - 9; and Souderton Area High School, grades 10 - 12.
Total enrollment has been projected at 7247 by the 2013-14 school year.
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Education Program
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The Souderton Area School District updated its Strategic Plan in 2002 with an emphasis on facilities and student achievement. The six-year Strategic Plan extends existing commitments to standards-based reporting systems, performance centered curriculum, differentiated instruction and academic recovery programs. A mid-term review of the Strategic Plan got underway in the summer of 2005.
District programs are developed and revised to meet district and state standards in 12 subject areas and graduation requirements of the Chapter 4 regulations.
In addition to the comprehensive range of programs across all subjects, a number of innovative programs have been implemented: multi-media electives, a satellite weather tracking station, an environmental demonstration house at West Broad Street Elementary with programs taught by high school interns, service learning projects, technology education programs with an emphasis on wireless communications, Palm Pilot handheld program, teaming at the middle and junior high schools, portfolio assessments in all major subject areas, Artist In Residence, education internships, student-run TV shows in each secondary school, and theater programs in each secondary school. All SAHS graduates must complete a graduation project and a senior portfolio under the supervision of a graduation project coordinator.
The district has established and maintains both local and wide area networks. This includes Internet access in every classroom, network laser printing and a wide range of licensed software. Network access and resources are governed by a district networking and Internet policy that complies with the Children's Internet Privacy Act (CIPA). Secondary schools have six computer labs while every elementary school has one lab. All buildings have mobile laptop computers for use in the classrooms. All libraries are equipped with multiple computers, electronic card catalogs, and computer-based circulation systems.
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Technology
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Technology is used to support core curriculum, extend learning and help students create/express what they have learned. There are required technology courses that include basic word processing and information management. There are also elective courses that use technology in engineering, music, art, and multimedia design.
A ten person technology staff administers, maintains and coaches teachers in the use of technology to support students' learning. There are Instructional Technology Support Specialists and technology teachers who assist classroom teachers in integrating technology use into the curriculum. All teachers are involved in a multi-level technology staff development program with many staff operating on an advanced level. Additionally, the district maintains a Web site at www.soudertonsd.org that provides residents with up-to-date information on programs and events. The district cable channel (SATV 28) provides ongoing information about school district happenings.
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Community Education/Involvement
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Evening School classes are available through the District Community Education program and North Montco Technical Career Center. Adult Evening School classes are offered in the fall and spring in the SASD. The school district also sponsors a complete summer recreation program with day camps, summer adventure trips and specialized classes. Sports camps are offered through the SAHS Athletic Department. Community-based programs such as Art Goes to School, Artists In Action, Partnership Advisory Team business partnership and the Chamber Education Committee tie the community to the schools. A summer concert series known as Sundaes in the Park provides musical entertainment throughout the summer months.
The SAHS pool is open year-round for student and community use. The Hands Across the District volunteer program encourages parents, non-parents and senior citizens to volunteer in the schools, thus enhancing the educational program. Approximately 1,200 persons volunteered in SASD in the 2004-05 school year.
The Souderton Area Education Foundation is a broad-based, non-profit community organization designed to secure resources from individuals and corporations to provide expanded learning opportunities through student, teacher and business partnerships. Over $200,000 in mini and special grants has been awarded to the Souderton Area School District.
Community members are invited to visit the SASD schools and become part of the educational planning as the district looks to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
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Enrollment
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Souderton Area School District Enrollment as of October 1st, 2007:
| Souderton Area High School |
1621 |
| Indian Crest Junior High |
1100 |
| Indian Valley Middle School |
1061 |
| E.M. Crouthamel Elementary |
342 |
| Franconia Elementary |
518 |
| Lower Salford Elementary |
441 |
| Oak Ridge Elementary |
545 |
| Salford Hills Elementary |
357 |
| Vernfield Elementary |
437 |
| West Broad Street Elementary |
488 |
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| Total |
6910 |
| School Year |
Enrollment |
| 90/91 |
4,920 |
| 91/92 |
5,048 |
| 92/93 |
5,187 |
| 93/94 |
5,312 |
| 94/95 |
5,539 |
| 95/96 |
5,786 |
| 96/97 |
6,035 |
| 97/98 |
6,174 |
| 98/99 |
6,267 |
| 99/00 |
6,372 |
| 00/01 |
6,431 |
| 01/02 |
6,464 |
| 02/03 |
6,551 |
| 03/04 |
6,650 |
| 04/05 |
6,693 |
| 05/06 |
6,795 |
| 06/07 |
6,891 |
| 07/08 |
6,910 as of 10/1/07 |
| 2013/14 |
7,247 Peak Projection |
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