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.
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.
Pablo Charriez '24 recently presented about redlining and discriminatory housing practices to 10th grade English classes who are studying the topic while reading Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun.
Kindergarten students traveled to the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science and had a blast learning about the dryptosaurus (Delaware's dinosaur), seeing fossils, meeting a ball python, and more!
Earlier this week, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Science classes visited Incyte labs to speak with chemists and biologists and learn more about the drug development process. Thank you to Scott Larsen, parent of Emma '25, for arranging the presentations and tours.
Lower school students had the opportunity to meet with author Sarah Weeks, who has written more than 60 books for young readers including the best-selling novels, Pie, Save Me a Seat and So B. It, which is now a feature-length film. Our 5th grade students shared and got feedback on first lines and stories based on picture prompts and writing techniques.
Donovan Aldridge '18 and Jack Hanson '18, both currently living in Europe, recently met in Granada, Spain, where they joined the parents of WFS Spanish teacher Dario Robles for dinner in their home!
Last week, the WFS 10th grade visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. as part of their continuing study of American History.
Thank you for an incredible Quaker Game Night! This year's event was the largest and most successful yet, and we couldn't have done it without this amazing community.
Congratulations to Katie Bryan '24 who, after winning the WFS Shakespeare competition in January, qualified to compete in the Philadelphia English Speaking Union's branch competition at the Museum of the American Revolution. Katie's Shakespearean monologue and sonnet earned her third place and a $500 scholarship!
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.