Sewickley Academy is distinguished by not only its rigorous academics and outstanding faculty, but also by its student-centered approach to learning and teaching, in which every child is challenged to explore and excel to his or her highest ability. Request Info
Exceptional Programs, Small Classes, and Talented faculty
Sewickley Academy is distinguished by not only its rigorous academics and outstanding faculty, but also by its student-centered approach to learning and teaching, in which every child is challenged to explore and excel to his or her highest ability. Learn More
Academy graduates join a network of more than 4,000 alumni across the globe. Astronauts, world-renowned doctors, fashion designers, chefs, filmmakers, zombie experts, world travelers – our alumni are proof that students become determined, courageous, and caring individuals ready to take on life's next challenges. Learn More
Founded in 1838, Sewickley Academy is Pittsburgh’s oldest independent coeducational school. Learn More
Grade 1 Celebrates Holidays Around the World
By: Kelly Gary, Grade 1 Teacher
Grade 1 students experienced traditions of giving from countries around the world on Wednesday, December 21.
The class took a field trip to the Wintergarden at PPG Place downtown in the morning to see the annual Spirits of Giving Around the World and gingerbread house exhibits. The children celebrated Greece with Greek food, music, and dance. Upon returning to school, they also walked around the Academy to serenade other students, faculty, and staff for gold coins, just like children in Greek in villages do.
After lunch, St. Nicholas Greek dancers came to the Academy to teach students numerous Greek dances for festive occasions. The troupe performed a few different dances before teaching them a kalamatiano, which is danced in all areas of Greece, the Chiotiko Sirto, from the island of Chios, and the tsamiko, which is from Northern Greece.
Grade 1 has been learning about houses around the world and how different cultures and people use various resources in their areas to build houses. There was a strong focus on clothing and how climate affects how houses are built as well as what we wear. Students then “traveled” around the world virtually via Google to visit different countries and learn more about each country’s traditions.