We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following retirees, whose dedication, leadership, and care have made a lasting impact on the Wilmington Friends School community!
Kristin Ragan joined the Wilmington Friends community in 2006 as a fourth grade teacher before shifting to fifth and then second grades during her 19 years with us. In each position, Kristin has demonstrated a dedication and commitment to her students that is second to none. Kristin is a masterful teacher who combines a deep respect for children with a love of the craft of teaching. Kristin’s care for her students, colleagues, and the practice of teaching will be greatly missed, and we are incredibly appreciative of all that she has provided to our lower school community.
Ray Carbone joined the WFS community in 1999 as a Maintenance Technician and was promoted to Director of Facilities in 2001. Throughout his tenure, Ray has overseen countless improvements to our facilities, from major renovation projects to the daily maintenance that keeps our school running smoothly. His approach to facilities management and his deep institutional knowledge have been invaluable assets to our community. Beyond his professional expertise, Ray has demonstrated care for our community through a delicate balance of short-term needs with planning for future physical plant sustainability. Whether responding to emergency maintenance issues or planning long-term campus improvements, his problem-solving skills have made him a tested leader. Ray will continue to oversee the lower school renovation project until its completion in the spring of 2026.
Amy Bailey retires from Wilmington Friends School, having been a stalwart member of the upper school mathematics department and having left her mark on hundreds of graduates. Amy taught a wide variety of courses over her years at WFS, but most recently has been known for her work with both the IB Math Analysis course as well as the development of the Discrete Mathematics course. Amy is a thoughtful and caring teacher, arriving early each day and finding opportunities to consistently and diligently work with students both in and out of the classroom. Her colleagues describe not only her mastery of mathematics and teaching pedagogy, but her friendship and thought-leadership among the entire faculty throughout her time here at WFS.
For the past nine years, Jeff Ransom has led with grace, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the growth and success of our student athletes and coaches. His leadership has inspired many to exceed their own expectations. Jeff’s tenure in the increasingly challenging world of interscholastic athletics is a testament to his exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills. Under his leadership, the athletic department has seen remarkable achievements, including equity and inclusion initiatives to ensure equal access to athletic success and coaching excellence for all student-athletes and coaches, as well as multiple conference and state championships. We are grateful for all that he has done for our program and community.
This summer, Felicity Joppa '31 represented the USA at a CISV Youth Meeting in Brasília, the capital of Brazil, with a delegation from Brandywine Valley CISV. Youth Meetings bring 12-13-year-olds from 8 countries together to learn from each other, build global friendships, and work for peace.
On Sunday, the WFS football team hosted athletes from Special Olympics Delaware. WFS student-athletes and Special Olympians participated in various football drills and enjoyed water ice together!
Check out the earliest image of Friends Lower School children — taken in 1891 in the kindergarten room. Friends' School had the second kindergarten class in Delaware and, for several years, served as a “normal” or training school for kindergarten teachers. The teacher pictured here is Katharine Clark.
Our Lower School teachers have begun moving into their cottages this week and are so excited to welcome everyone back. See you soon!
Today marked the start of orientation for our new Wilmington Friends School faculty and staff! Over the next three days, they’ll dive into the history of WFS, explore Quaker Faith and Practice, connect with their mentors, and enjoy activities like “Who’s Who?” and Friends Trivia.
Congratulations to the following WFS student-athletes who were named as some of the top three-sport athletes in the State of Delaware by Delaware Online!
On the latest episode of the Quaker Matters Podcast, Rose Mulveny ’26 reflects on her year abroad in Zaragoza, Spain with the School Year Abroad (SYA) program.
In June, 37 WFS middle school students embarked on an unforgettable journey to Puerto Rico for a week of cultural exploration, environmental learning, and community connection.
Wilmington Friends School partnered with the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Social Impact Strategy and Schoolyard Ventures to offer the Social Innovators Program, a 12-week virtual course in social entrepreneurship for 10th and 11th graders. Through online classes, real-world case studies, and guided project work, students earned a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship while designing and launching ventures to address issues meaningful to them.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following retirees, whose dedication, leadership, and care have made a lasting impact on the Wilmington Friends School community!
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is often considered the highest standard for college preparatory education. This year, 29 members from the Class of 2025 were IB diploma candidates.
Max Leffler ’22 recently hosted his 5th Annual Disc Golf Tournament, raising $5,200 in support of The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation and its mission to fight childhood cancer.
At the start of summer break, 15 Wilmington Friends Upper School students traveled to El Paso, Texas, as part of a QUEST Term Service/Leadership Trip. This immersive experience combines global education, leadership development, and community engagement.
The mastery program in middle school is a semester or year-long, student-initiated and student-produced project designed to develop that student's talents, interests, and skills. The emphasis is on achievement and completing a finished product that is either presented or displayed publicly in a polished, masterful way. Mastery projects may include academic research papers, visual and performing arts projects or performances, special teaching units, and physical projects.
Statement of Nondiscrimination as to Student Enrollment
Wilmington Friends School admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of these schools. Wilmington Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.