Community
Parenting and Education Blog
The 4 Essential Outcomes of Quaker Education
90% of the students who attend Wilmington Friends are non-Quakers.
What brings families to Quaker education is often the appeal of an academic program with depth--one that truly asks students to think, to collaborate, to be creative, to take risks--within a caring community that balances focus on the individual with responsibility to the common good.
This mission cultivates four major outcomes for students who attend Wilmington Friends School.
We encourage you to learn about Wilmington Friends School's vibrant learning community. Click here to explore Friends and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Back
This mission cultivates four major outcomes for students who attend Wilmington Friends School.
- In the Quaker education setting, there is the belief in the unique dignity of each person, which schools have an obligation to recognize and to nurture. And every member of the community shares in that obligation to value what is best in themselves and in others--developing talents to the fullest, and respecting the strengths, efforts, and perspectives of all.
Outcome: students gain confidence and can grow to their fullest potential because their uniqueness is valued as an asset––to themselves and to their peers–– in the learning process.
- A core principle in Quaker education is “continuing revelation,” the idea that the process of learning is continuous through seeking, experience, and reflection. Students at Quaker schools are encouraged to ask questions, to think both independently and cooperatively, to test ideas against experience and new information, to engage in education as a process of exploration and discovery.
Outcome: students learn to be innovative and resourceful people who can see and solve problems, becoming assets to colleges and employers, and as entrepreneurs and change-makers.
- The Quaker testimonies, known by the acronym SPICES, are also evident in Friends schools. The testimonies include stewardship, peace, integrity, community, equality, and simplicity. Again, those guiding values attract families from many faith and spiritual traditions, seeking a school where intellectual endeavor and ethical commitment are mutually reinforcing.
Outcome: students can see beyond themselves, becoming assets to the broader community and to the world.
- Meeting for Worship is at the heart of Quaker practice. Each week we gather together to sit in silence, allowing time for students to listen to their inner voice. If anyone feels moved to share a message with the group, they rise and speak. Often people offer experiences, perspectives, or even a simple encouraging phrase (like our youngest students sharing "Go Eagles!"). Even if no one shares a message during meeting for worship, the silence can be healing, nourishing, and creative.
Outcome: students learn the power of mindfulness, which, in today's world, is an asset to their own continued health and wellness.
We encourage you to learn about Wilmington Friends School's vibrant learning community. Click here to explore Friends and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Please Note: Our news items are grouped by calendar year.
More News
-
4th Grade Electric Convention
4th graders held their annual electric convention, an opportunity to showcase their electric projects to lower school students and faculty!Read More -
Lower School Field Days
Read MoreSo much laughter and fun (for the grown ups, too!) at this week's lower school field days. Bring on summer! For more photos, visit our Smugmug page (password can be found in the Friends on Friday message). Photos courtesy of WFS Yearbook -
The Sunny Side of Wellness
For Mental Health Awareness Month, middle and upper school students answered the question "How will you take care of your wellness this summer?" The Quaker Cares committee then created a vision board with the many responses!Read More -
Music in the Parks Winners!
Congratulations to our middle school band and choir, who were both winners at last week's Music in the Parks competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania!Read More -
TED Talks, Mini Society, and Learning about National Parks
Exciting things are happening at the lower school these last few days of school!Read More -
Senior Explorations 2025
Read MoreCelebrations for the Class of 2025 have begun, and last night was Senior Exploration Night, where members of the Class of 2025 presented the projects they’ve been working on for the last month. -
Yearbook Distribution!
Middle and upper school students enjoyed ice cream and time with friends at yesterday's 2024-2025 yearbook distribution! The end is in sight!Read More -
Lower School Culture Quest Celebrates Juneteenth
Read MoreOur final Lower School Culture Quest was a celebration of Juneteenth! Students explored the significance of Juneteenth through hands-on activities, music, food, and arts and crafts. It was a fun and meaningful way to learn about and honor this important day! -
Preschool "Informance"
We wrapped up our spring concert series today with a preschool "informance," where our youngest students showcased their singing, dancing, and instrument playing!Read More -
Middle School 5K
One of our most beloved spring traditions...the middle school 5K! Costumed students (everything from the cast of Scooby Doo to famous athletes) walked and ran the Alapocas neighborhood all to benefit a good cause.Read More -
Preschool Field Day
So much fun at last week's preschool field day! Photos courtesy of WFS Yearbook.Read More -
Upper School Kindness Chain
L-T Alleyne '26 sparked a chain of kindness in our upper school with a simple idea: write a thoughtful note to someone you don’t usually talk to—and pass it on. Thanks to everyone who took part, this sweet gesture made its way through our community, one kind message at a time.Read More -
Upper School Pops Concert
Jenna Fabiano, a music education major at the University of Delaware, joined WFS as a student teacher in the second half of the spring semester.Read More -
Pre-K Performs "Zog and the Flying Doctors"
Read MoreOur Pre-K students took the stage last week with their performance of "Zog and the Flying Doctors" by Julia Donaldson! Each spring, pre-kindergarteners put on a play to celebrate how much they have grown since September. From choosing their own roles to working as a team, our young performers showed that you're never too small to be part of something big. -
WFS Middle School Chinese Teacher Presents at Chinese Language Teachers Association Conference
We’re proud to share that WFS middle school Chinese teacher Jianglin Shi recently attended the 2025 Chinese Language Teachers Association (CLTA) Annual Conference in New York City. Jianglin co-presented a session titled "Gamifying the Chinese Program With AI-Enhanced Learning and Hands-On Games," highlighting innovative approaches to language instruction!Read More -
Upper School Students Recognized for Outstanding Writing
Read MoreCongratulations to Henrik Maansson '27, Lindsey Forman '28, L-T Alleyne '26, and Landis Hershey '26, along with Mia Davenport '25 and Jordyn Moore '26 (not pictured), for being recognized by the Delaware Chapter of the Scholastic Writing and Arts Awards for their outstanding writing! -
WFS Welcomes Students from Calmare International School in Kalmar, Sweden
Read MoreThis week, WFS proudly welcomed student and teacher visitors from Calmare International School in Kalmar, Sweden—Wilmington’s sister city! -
Wellness Bingo Challenge!
Read MoreIn honor of May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, WFS is prioritizing self-care, connection, and mindfulness with our May "Wellness Bingo Challenge!" -
First Grade Grub Hub Supports Sunday Breakfast Mission
First Grade Grub Hub is open for business! After visiting the Sunday Breakfast Mission last week, WFS first graders were inspired to create their own restaurant to support the community pantry.Read More -
Second Grade Wax Museum
Read MoreThis year's second grade wax museum featured athletes, astronauts, musicians, and scientists (among others!)
1
/
20
101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
302.576.2900 | info@wilmingtonfriends.org
Preschool - 12th Grade
302.576.2900 | info@wilmingtonfriends.org
Preschool - 12th Grade
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.
