Parent and community involvement. Lingelbach's partnerships with community groups and institutions add breadth and depth to its regular programs. Faculty and students from the University of Pennsylvania worked with Lingelbach teachers to devise new strategies for literature-based reading instruction. Drexel University helps develop and implement plans for using computers to promote growth in students' critical thinking skills. Senior citizens' groups send volunteers to the school each week to tutor and read aloud to students.
Cable companies provide facilities for film editing of student productions.
A bookstore owner, formerly a middle school principal, has taught the kindergartners about cuneiform writing and helped them create their own books of hieroglyphics. Through her efforts, the kindergarten viewed a cuneiform display shown only to selected audiences. She also has helped the school collect multicultural fairy tales. Parents participate on committees and attend monthly meetings for updates on school programs. In addition, the school sponsors a parent coordinator who, during home visits to families, advises on parenting and homework assistance.