Wissahickon School District, PA

To support the district’s priority of preparing students to succeed in a rapidly evolving 21st century workforce, Wissahickon uses e-Classrooms to teach digital and audio-visual technologies. Classrooms are equipped with interactive white boards, LCD projectors and speakers. Students in elementary school use grade-level shared mobile laptop carts while all middle and high school students receive a district-issued laptop. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) instruction begins in elementary school with dedicated Maker Space areas for students to learn innovation, design and collaboration skills. All students participate in computer science and coding activities.

The district prides itself on offering students a variety of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and clubs to expand their academic and social development. At the high school level, approximately 80% percent of students participate in one or more of the 35+ activities, organizations, music, theater, art and athletic programs and compete in interscholastic competitions. The Robotics Team is ranked in the top 2% of all robotics teams worldwide.

Their tagline, True Blue with a Heart of Gold, exemplifies their school spirit and focus on teaching students to be good citizens who help others and make our communities a better place to live. Students in all Wissahickon schools participate in character education activities and community service.

Wissahickon is located about 22 miles north of center city Philadelphia in the heart of suburban Montgomery County. The district has a population of 40,924 and serves approximately 4,500 students in the three contiguous communities of Lower Gwynedd Township, the Borough of Ambler, and Whitpain Township - an area of twenty-five (25) square miles. Students learn in four elementary schools (K-5), one middle school (6-8) and high school (9-12). The professional staff consists of 370 full and part time certificated teachers with an average of 14 years teaching experience and 84% of whom have Master’s degrees.

Wissahickon is considered a highly desired community in which to live and raise a family as evidenced by increasing enrollment in the district. Their ranking as a top school district and favorable living conditions attract many young families from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.

What to Love

• Plenty of fun local events
• The charming shops and dining of Ambler
• Abundant parks and green space
• Tight-knit community

Local Lifestyle

Wissahickon School District is touted as one of the top neighborhoods for young professionals to escape the bustle of the city. There is plenty to do here, and Philadelphia is an easy commute away, but residents enjoy the gifts of small-town, nature-filled living. The area’s great schools and amenities cater to families, making it a wonderful neighborhood for those with children.

Single-family homes are the most common house type found in Wissahickon, though they can be found in various styles. The area is rich in history, and many homes date back over a century. Large stone farmhouse-style homes are mixed with newer, more modern residences, giving Wissahickon something for everyone.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Restaurants and shops can be found throughout the school district, and Ambler’s quaint, walkable Main Street (Butler Ave) is what draws both residents and visitors to its charming storefronts.

Blue Bell Inn has been a local favorite for generations. Diners can enjoy the charm of this historic 1974 building that features a classic American menu. Modern and sensational, Bridget’s Steakhouse opened in Ambler in 2004 and has been a huge part of the Ambler revitalization accompanied by it’s more casual counter part KC’s Alley. Get your daily caffeine boost from the freshly roasted espresso at Wake Coffee. Across the street from Wake, Pizza Box serves only the freshest and most extraordinary of pies. Forest & Main Brewery is a nationally recognized brewery that has become a Wissahickon staple.

The Ambler Farmers Market takes place every week from May through November and is full of the freshest local produce and the finest goods from brewers, farms, and food artisans. Ambler Main Street is also packed with charming shops, such as Roost Home and Wild Lilies Boutique.

Things to Do

Downtown Ambler is the happening place when it comes to community events. There is always something fun to do, and this area also boasts incredible parks and many fantastic country clubs and natural areas for those who seek a more serene outing.

The golf courses of Cedarbrook Country Club and Bluestone Country Club sprawl between residential areas and offer their members incredible amenities and social events. You can also enjoy one of the nine gorgeous parks situated within Ambler.

The events calendar is packed throughout the year. First Fridays in Ambler brings live music and family-friendly entertainment to town from May through October. Ambler Arts & Music Festival, The Auto Show, and Oktoberfest are among the other notable Ambler events. Ambler Theater is a historic movie theater that now operates as a nonprofit specializing in art and foreign films. If live theater is what you crave, Act II Playhouse continues to put on season after season of incredible plays and musicals.