Wilmington Friends School

Welcome

Ken Aldridge,Head of School

Quaker matters.95% of families who choose Friends School are not Quaker. So why do we say that “Quaker matters”? Because at Friends, as a natural – and certain – consequence of our Quaker DNA:

• Students learn to challenge themselves to their absolute best with a sense of responsibility to the common good.

• The intellectual/academic foundation is defined by questioning, discovery, and relevance.

• Each student is known and valued as an individual.

• Students and families representing a variety of identities and experi-ences feel welcome.

• Mindfulness, character education/service, stewardship, and a com-mitment to diversity and social justice are part of our founding and permanent mission.

FoundationsRespectRespect for each individual in the context of community responsibility led Quakers as

early as the 1600s to support education for all children—regardless of race, religion,

or economic means—both for the good of the children and for the good of society.

The conviction that every person has an essential worth that commands respect, and

an ability and obligation to contribute that should be nurtured, continues as a major

influence in Friends education.

InnovationAlso of continuing importance is the Quaker belief that truth is not static, but rather

is revealed and informed through an ongoing process of research, questioning, and re-

flection, with an openness to the new information and insights. That foundation leads

naturally to inquiry- and discovery-based education and to a mindset of continuing

innovation.

LeadershipThroughout its history, Friends School

has been a pioneer in education—provid-

ing tuition aid since the 1700s; teaching

global geography since the early 1800s;

developing Delaware’s first kindergarten;

hosting international students since 1947;

and becoming the state’s first school to

offer the International Baccalaureate

(IB), to join the School Year Abroad

(SYA) consortium, and to be selected for

the national Malone Scholars Program

and to join the Malone Schools Online

Network (MSON). Recent innovations

include an interdivisional Chinese lan-

guage and culture program (2011) and a

nationally recognized “one-to-one” laptop

program (2012).

Now & NextFrom 2009-2015, Wilmington Friends built upon its commitment to continuing innovation, opening a series of new

and renovated facilities—including design and flex labs, small group

study rooms, athletic fields and courts, the Friends Theater, and stu-

dio space—to support student inquiry and initiative, collaboration and

creativity. The facilities reflect and advance the program at Friends,

evolving to prepare students for the fast-changing—indeed, largely un-

known—world of their future:

• Friends students develop the habits of mind and transferable skills to be lifelong learners who communicate, act, and lead effectively.

• They learn how to question, how to listen, and how to work with people with a variety of points of view.

• And they learn that the faster the world changes, the more important their own foundation of values and ethics becomes.

ChallengeFriends offers an unsurpassed learning program, from the Reggio Emilia inspired preschool to the International Bacca-

laureate in the junior and senior years. It is a program with depth—one

that truly asks students to think, both independently and collaborative-

ly—distinguished by the engagement of complex questions intellectually

and in action. The nationally recognized QUEST Center (Quaker Cen-

ter for Understanding, Engagement, and Stewardship) provides a struc-

ture for integrated academic and experiential learning, an approach that

helps our students to develop not only the skills but also the confidence

to approach new challenges.

A principle of Quakerism that has a defining influence on the Friends educational philosophy is “continuing revelation,”

the idea that truth is continually revealed through seeking, experience, and

reflection. In a process that is intellectually and personally demanding—

and exciting—for both students and teachers, learning at Friends requires:

• Asking questions and taking risks.

• Testing ideas against experience and new information.

• Engaging in education as a process of exploration and discovery.

Discovery

TeachingChallenge and discovery define not only learning but also teaching at Friends School. What makes Friends teachers truly

masterful is not just their subject knowledge or training—about 60% of

Wilmington Friends teachers hold advanced degrees; virtually all lead

teachers come to Friends with extensive classroom experience; and ongo-

ing professional development is standard. But most distinctive is the abil-

ity to foster a genuine connection among the students, teacher, and cur-

riculum. Friends teachers focus on student experience and growth, within

the discipline of high expectations for intellectual pursuit and community

responsibility and with an openness to the unexpected. Beyond the con-

tent and skill standards for each class, Friends teachers work to prepare

students for what comes next—to engage ideas, challenges, opportunities,

questions, and other people in more meaningful and effective ways.

GlobalGlobal learning at Friends includes signature programs:

• The International Baccalaureate (IB)

• School Year Abroad (SYA)

• Three modern languages, including an interdivisional Chinese program

• Singapore Math (“Math in Focus”), grades K-8

• Language study beginning in pre-kindergarten (Spanish)

More broadly and fundamentally, global education at Friends teaches

students to approach complex issues with an informed and inclusive per-

spective, and with a sense of confidence and responsibility. Friends was

the first school in Delaware authorized to offer the IB, recognized around

the world as one of the highest standards—indeed, often recognized as the

highest standard—in college preparatory education. Additional global ed-

ucation programs are coordinated at Friends through the Quaker Center

for Understanding, Engagement, and Stewardship (QUEST).

CommunityFriends offers an unsurpassed academic program, and just as important, it is a great place to grow up.

• Our teachers (including coaches) know our students; teachers pro-

vide individual attention and are deeply invested in students’ growth

and success.

• Because they are known as individuals, students are able to discov-

er and develop the best in themselves. Because they are valued and

held to high standards as members of a community, students are

motivated to contribute and to lead.

• All students and teachers come together, in different groupings, for

Meeting for Worship, which in the school setting is a time of reflec-

tion, largely defined by each individual and informed by each per-

son’s own religious/spiritual tradition and identity.

• For parents, Friends is a great place to join with other families who

share a commitment to education that inspires the best in each stu-

dent while fostering an active responsibility to the good of all.

• There is no “typical” Friends School student or family. We recognize

diversity of thought, identity, and experience as essential to both

academic excellence and the character of our community.

JoyIn Wilmington Friends School’s statement of philosophy and beliefs, one of the purposes of education is defined as

to “help students to develop self-discipline, resilience, and motivation to

sustain their joy as lifelong learners.” When the process of learning is

designed and experienced as a journey, it can both inspire achievement

and embrace joy. Friends School offers an environment of confidence

without arrogance, where good humor can lend greater dignity to work;

it is a place where students and teachers want to be.

Early YearsPreschool and Pre-KindergartenThe preschool and pre-kindergarten programs at

Friends reflect best practices and current re-

search and are guided by Quaker principles and

complementary components of the Reggio Emilia

approach to early education.

Studies in neuroscience and long-term outcomes

of early childhood education speak to the value of

the Friends program, which emphasizes “knowl-

edge construction” (vs. passive reception) and

relationship-building skills. Research suggests

that approach is most effective in providing the

foundation for cognitive skills—including cog-

nitive integration and executive function—skills

essential to future learning and well-being, to

problem-solving and innovation.

The early years curriculum encompasses language

arts, math, science, social studies, performing arts

(with a specialist teacher), process-oriented visual

arts, recess, and gym time (preschool)/physical

education (pre-kindergarten).

Pre-kindergarten students also have classes with

a specialist teacher in Spanish, along with regular

activities with specialists in the STEM Lab and

Library Media Center.

As part of the Friends lower school, early years

students enjoy benefits such as “buddy” activities

with older students, a full-time nurse, and food

service. We also offer an After School Program,

holiday child care, and summer camp.

Lower SchoolKindergarten - 5th GradeThe Friends lower school program is designed to

encourage student voice and full participation,

as individuals and as members of a community,

in the learning process. Interdisciplinary themes

encourage students to think and inquire global-

ly, beyond any one discipline. In the “Singapore

Math” curriculum, Math in Focus, students are

asked to articulate reasoning in a way that devel-

ops perseverance and confidence as it deepens

learning. In the STEM Lab and in robotics, stu-

dents are encouraged to experiment with designs

that might not work.

Class structures, with different groupings of

students by academic subject and for activities

like recess, both allow teachers to develop great-

er expertise and give students the opportunity

to work and play with a variety of peers. Inte-

grated with classroom practices, service learning,

a structured conflict resolution program, and

respect for all voices in Meeting for Worship, help

to develop habits of empathy and responsibility

to others. It is an approach to learning very much

rooted in the Quaker traditions of inquiry and of

commitment to equality, peace, and community.

In addition to language arts, math, science, and

social studies, K-5 students have classes with spe-

cialist teachers in Spanish, computer science, per-

forming arts, physical education, visual arts, and

information literacy/media studies. Technology

is integrated throughout the program, and fifth

graders have individual, school-issued laptops.

Additional choir and band programs are available

in fourth and fifth grades.

Middle School6th - 8th GradesAs part of the necessary growth toward inde-

pendence, middle school is a time of some uncer-

tainty, when taking risks and trying new things

inspire both excitement and worry for students.

The Friends middle school program is structured

very intentionally to meet the needs of this age

group—a structure that includes a model advi-

sory program; interest-based activities, clubs,

and committees with leadership opportunities;

and classes in interpersonal and risk-assessment

skills, conflict resolution, and decision-making.

To guide students through and well beyond the

fundamentals of “junior high” academics, the

Friends program emphasizes interdisciplinary

learning and group work; oral, written, and ar-

tistic expression; participation in sports, service,

and ensembles; and organizational techniques

and study skills. Advisory groups consist of 10-

13 students and a teacher who is responsible for

knowing the “big picture” about each advisee.

In addition to English, history/social science,

math, and science, all students take classes in

computer science, foreign language (Chinese,

French, or Spanish), performing arts (band, choir,

and/or classroom music), physical education (sixth

grade), and visual arts, and participate in service

learning, information and technology literacy,

and interscholastic athletic programs (seventh &

eighth grades). Friends students in grades 5-12

have individual, school-issued laptops, ensuring

that all students have the same computer hard-

ware and software, both reflective of the Friends

commitment to equality and access and practical

in enabling students and teachers to collaborate

more effectively.

Upper School9th - 12th GradesThe upper school at Friends engages students

in an unsurpassed academic program, including

the International Baccalaureate (IB). Even as

students may begin to focus on particular talents

and passions, discovery and curiosity are fostered

as habits of mind and practice. Students are able

to participate broadly if they choose—and can

take on multiple leadership roles—in competitive

athletics, performing arts, and clubs and com-

mittees, from Robotics and Science Olympiad to

Service and Diversity.

As Delaware’s only Malone Foundation part-

ner school, Friends participates in the Malone

Schools Online Network, which as of Septem-

ber 2015 included 19 schools and 28 upper-level

electives. Friends is also a member of the School

Year Abroad consortium and a longtime AFS

partner school, opening opportunities for in-

ternational study for a school year or summer.

Students also may participate in the School’s

QUEST Scholars program, choosing from

themes of diversity, global studies, service learn-

ing, spiritual life, or sustainability. All students

participate in an individual service project and a

“senior exploration” related to a career or person-

al interest.

The structure of the Friends laptop program

ensures that all students have the same computer

hardware and software, which is both reflective

of the Quaker commitment to equality and access

and practical in enabling students and teachers

to collaborate more effectively. As part of help-

ing students to define what they value and to

reach their full potential, Friends provides highly

individualized, professional college guidance.

Advanced work and independent study are avail-

able.

AdmissionsThank you for your interest in Wilmington Friends SchoolSearching for the right school for your family can be complicated, and the Friends admissions staff is available to help make the process as rewarding as possible. To learn more about Friends, please explore the School web site, and most important, please visit in person to experi-ence the distinctive learning environment.

Friends welcomes online applications at any time during the year, but summer and fall applications are encour-aged, most importantly to increase the chance of avail-ability in the desired grade. Please note that applications must be complete by January to be considered for the first round of admission offers, and that the financial aid application period is earlier, with a December first-round deadline.

Applications are followed by a campus visit and comple-tion of educational assessments. Applicants to grades 5-12 must complete the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE); younger applicants complete age-appropriate assessments during their visits. There are also some addi-tional documents to submit as part of the application, like a parent questionnaire and teacher recommendations.

Ask Us About Financial AidIndependent school tuition can be daunting; don’t hes-itate to ask about financial aid. Aid is not a loan; it is a need-based grant that represents an essential part of the Friends mission, dating to the 1700s, to serve students and families from a variety of backgrounds for whom the School is a good fit. As of September 2015, 40% of Friends students received financial aid, with an average award of just about half of the tuition cost.

Submit ApplicationBeginning in September - Rolling

Schedule Visit/Shadow Days Beginning in October - Rolling

Submit Financial Aid ApplicationsNovember 1 - December 15

Register for Testing*Please see our Testing Schedule for

Middle and Upper School applicants. (Assessments for Lower School applicants occur on visit day.)

All Application Materials Duefor First Round Offers*

Mid-January for Middle and Upper SchoolEnd of January for Lower School

First Round Offers of Admission and Financial Aid Notification*

End of January for Middle and Upper SchoolBeginning of February for Lower School

Rolling AdmissionApplications will continue to be accepted

and reviewed on an ongoing basis as availability permits.

*Specific dates are listed on our web site, www.wilmingtonfriends.org.

Admissions Timetable

Contact InformationWe look forward to welcoming your family to Friends! Please contact us at 302.576.2930 oradmissions@wilmingtonfriends.org, or visit www.wilmingtonfriends.org.

Wilmington Friends School101 School Road

Wilmington, Delaware 19803

302.576.2930admissions@wilmingtonfriends.org

www.wilmingtonfriends.org

Quaker matters. Come see why.