A few Chester County schools are rethinking their format by introducing new, innovative ways for their students to learn, writes Jessica Press for Philadelphia magazine.

West Chester School District superintendent Jim Scanlon is bringing purposeful play to the district’s full-day kindergarten program. Through free time at recess, daily specials like PE or art, or acting out the life cycle of a butterfly instead of just reading about it, students have shown improved first-grade readiness.

Students at Fusion Academy in Malvern receive one-on-one instruction, enabling them to work out their own pace, as the school is open year-round.

Meanwhile, East Bradford Elementary School has introduced dogs into the classroom for students to read to. They offer “no negative feedback,” which “drives the desire for practice and willingness to try harder texts,” said teacher Deanne DiDomenico.

Also, at Kennett High School, girls have now formed their own Society of Women Engineers, which meets monthly and features guest speakers.

Read more about the local schools that are breaking the education mold in Philadelphia magazine here.