Media Schools, Parks, and Community Life

Media, Pennsylvania's charming county seat of Delaware County, has earned the nickname "Everybody's Hometown" for good reason. Its walkable downtown, top-rated schools, extensive park system, and packed community calendar make it one of the most desirable places to live in the Philadelphia suburbs. This guide covers Media's schools, parks, and community life in depth.

Schools in Media PA: The Rose Tree Media School District

Media is served by the Rose Tree Media School District (RTMSD), which serves Media Borough, Upper Providence Township, and parts of Middletown Township. The district serves approximately 4,200 students across six schools and is recognized for its strong academic performance and community support.

Elementary Schools (Grades K-5)

• Glenwood Elementary School serves Media's Glenwood neighborhood with a strong focus on literacy and math foundations.
• Indian Lane Elementary School in Media is known for its dedicated staff and active parent-teacher organization.
• Media Elementary School serves Media Borough's downtown area with a focus on community involvement and enrichment programs.
• Rose Tree Elementary School serves Upper Providence Township and offers strong STEM and arts programming.

Springton Lake Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Springton Lake Middle School serves sixth through eighth graders with a comprehensive curriculum that includes honors courses, world language exploration, a STEM program, and competitive interscholastic sports. The school is housed in a modern facility with science labs, art studios, and a full gymnasium.

Penncrest High School (Grades 9-12)

Penncrest High School is a comprehensive public high school known for its strong academic programs, award-winning music and theater programs, and competitive PIAA athletics. The school offers over 15 Advanced Placement courses, a full slate of honors classes, and a college placement rate that consistently exceeds 90 percent. Penncrest's marching band, known as the "Pride of the Lions," has received national recognition, and its athletic teams compete at the highest level in Delaware County.

Private Schools in the Media Area

• Media-Providence Friends School is a Quaker school serving preschool through 5th grade.
• Benchmark School in Media specializes in educating bright students who learn differently.
• The Walden School and The Children's Academy offer additional private education options.

Parks and Recreation in Media

Media Borough Parks

• Gable Park provides neighborhood green space and a playground.
• Garrett Mill Park offers walking paths along Ridley Creek.
• Greer Park features sports fields and open recreation areas.
• Rita Reeves Park is a community gathering space in Media's residential neighborhoods.
• Media Tot Lot is a dedicated playground for young children.
• Plum Street Park is a planned passive-use downtown park adding greenspace to State Street.

Rose Tree Park

Rose Tree Park at 1671 N. Providence Road is a 118-acre county park situated on the hills above Media. The park features rolling woodlands, walking trails, picnic areas, a sheltered gazebo, a community garden, and a popular children's playground. Rose Tree Park hosts the Delaware County Summer Festival concert series, seasonal festivals, and community gatherings throughout the year.

Other Nearby Parks

• Glen Providence Park is a county park located within Media Borough at 330 West State Street, featuring a playground and walking paths along Ridley Creek.
• Smedley Park in nearby Springfield spans over 120 acres with hiking trails, sports fields, and picnic pavilions.
• Ridley Creek State Park is a 2,606-acre state park just minutes from Media, offering hiking, biking, fishing, and equestrian trails through mature woodlands and meadows.

Media Recreation Department

The Media Borough Recreation Department at 301 N. Jackson Street offers year-round programs including yoga, Pilates, Zumba Gold, tennis camps, a community playroom for children ages 6 and under, and special events like Arts in the Park and park clean-up days.

Community Life and Organizations

State Street and Dining Under the Stars

Media's downtown State Street is the vibrant heart of the community. Every Wednesday evening from spring through fall, State Street closes to traffic for Dining Under the Stars, when restaurants set up outdoor tables, string lights glow overhead, and live musicians perform on the street. It is one of the most beloved weekly traditions in Delaware County.

Media Arts Council and MAC Twilight Series

The Media Arts Council organizes the MAC Twilight Concert Series, free monthly outdoor concerts on the Community Center Lawn from May through September, featuring local and regional musicians across multiple genres.

Annual Festivals

• State Street Fall Festival: A massive October festival with 170+ exhibitors, food vendors, live music, and a Kids' Zone.
• Italian American Heritage Festival: Annual celebration of Media's Italian heritage with food, music, and cultural displays.
• Penncrest Band Craft Show: A popular annual craft fair held at Penncrest High School.
• Arts in the Park: Community art events hosted at Media's parks.

Media-Upper Providence Free Library

The Media-Upper Providence Free Library at 1 East Front Street is a beloved community institution known for its famous semi-annual book sales featuring over 40,000 books, DVDs, and collectibles each spring and fall. The library offers chair yoga, book clubs, children's storytimes, and technology classes.

Linvilla Orchards

Linvilla Orchards, a 300-acre working farm and market in nearby Media, is a year-round destination for families. Seasonal festivals include the Apple Festival, Blueberry Festival, Strawberry Festival, Peach and Sunflower Festival, and the spectacular Pumpkinland each fall with hayrides, corn mazes, and pick-your-own pumpkins.

Community Organizations

• Visit Media PA (Media Business Authority) promotes local businesses and organizes community events.
• Media is recognized as America's first Fair Trade Town (designated in 2006), reflecting the community's commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
• The Media Fire Company and local civic organizations provide volunteer opportunities and community support.

FAQ About Media Schools, Parks, and Community Life

What school district serves Media PA?

The Rose Tree Media School District serves Media with four elementary schools, Springton Lake Middle School, and Penncrest High School.

What are the best parks in Media?

Rose Tree Park (118 acres with trails, community garden, and concert series), Glen Providence Park (playground and creek trails), and nearby Ridley Creek State Park (2,606 acres of hiking, biking, and fishing) are the top outdoor destinations.

Is Media PA family-friendly?

Absolutely. Media's walkable downtown, excellent Rose Tree Media schools, abundant parks, low crime rate, and year-round family events make it one of Delaware County's most desirable communities for families.

What is Media known for?

Media is known as "Everybody's Hometown," as America's first Fair Trade Town, for its weekly Dining Under the Stars events, the historic State Street downtown, and being the county seat of Delaware County. The borough is famous for its walkability and small-town charm within easy commuting distance of Philadelphia.