In addition to a full schedule of classes and private instruction at the Center, Darlington reaches out to schools and communities of Delaware and Chester Counties, who may not have the benefit of arts programming.

Our programs provide a stable force in the lives of these children, enhancing intellectual, social, and emotional learning. Learn more about our programs by downloading our 2021-2022 Arts Education Outreach Report.


Literacy through the Arts

At both Stetser Elementary School and Chester County Family Academy, a teaching artist from Darlington Arts Center works with a classroom teacher to explore educational units related to literacy through vocal music, songwriting, script writing, music appreciation, and visual arts.  This program has demonstrated success in the student’s ability and comprehension in reading and writing.  At each school, the students perform at the end of the year for friends and family.

The inception was developed as a Teaching Artist Partnership with support from Pennsylvania Council of the Arts.

Check out one of the original songs created by the students at CCFA and Darlington Teaching Artist, Geri Smith!


The Chester Theater Arts Program
Since 1998, the Chester Theater Arts Program brings music, dance and drama training annually to close to 100 young students, ages 5 to 14, living in the city of Chester. Located at the Chester Charter Scholars Academy (CCSA), this program meets during the school year, every Saturday. The program provides additional exposure to the arts through performance opportunities, guest artists, and cultural field trips.  Darlington is also proud to provide arts instruction through CCSA’s summer programs as well.


Suzuki Violin
Darlington currently offers Suzuki violin instruction to nearly 300 students in three elementary schools: Stetser Elementary School and Chester Charter Scholars Academy (CCSA) in the city of Chester, and the Chester County Family Academy in West Chester.  Meeting on a weekly basis, students work with a Darlington Teaching Artist on the 5 Suzuki rhythms, as well as posture, bow position, and performance etiquette.  Many performances take place through the academic year.


Darlington Arts Center is grateful for the continued support from our community to ensure the vitality of our outreach to Delaware and Chester County.   We are especially thankful for the foundational support from:

The Connelly Foundation

Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund

The Hoxie Harrison Smith Foundation

Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

Sheila Fortune Foundation

as well as EITC contributions from:

First Priority, a division of Mid Penn Bank

St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church

 

If you are interested in donating towards our Outreach programs, please click here.

If you are part of a school or community group that may benefit from our outreach programming, please contact our Executive Director, Eric Thompson, by emailing eric@darlingtonarts.org