Wilmington Friends School
Other, Founded 1748
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
IB Diploma
Advanced PlacementAccreditations
Languages
English
SpanishWilmington Friends School is Delaware’s oldest independent school, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. It provides an academically rigorous, values-driven education that prepares students for college and lives of purpose and impact.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Rooted in over 275 years of Quaker tradition, the school emphasizes integrity, equity, belonging, and service. It fosters a culture of reflection, leadership, and meaningful action, encouraging students to be creative, independent thinkers who seek truth and value justice and peace. The school's "I to I" philosophy promotes approaching every person as an equal, fostering deep relationships and respect.
Programmes
The school offers a comprehensive curriculum anchored by the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, with 20 IB courses available to juniors and seniors. The academic structure spans preschool (starting at age 2 1/2), Lower School (PK–5th grade), Middle School (6th–8th grade), and Upper School (9th–12th grade). The curriculum includes coding beginning in kindergarten and a mandatory service learning component that starts in preschool.
Outcomes
Wilmington Friends School has a long tradition of sending graduates to top colleges and universities. Alumni are recognized for their contributions in fields such as medicine, journalism, engineering, and the arts, demonstrating the school's focus on leadership, service, and academic preparation.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides a Learning Lab and various learning resources to support student needs. Financial aid is available for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, and student support funds may assist with non-tuition expenses such as tutoring, psycho-educational testing, and books.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does Wilmington Friends School offer?
- Wilmington Friends School offers IB Diploma and Advanced Placement.
- How much is tuition at Wilmington Friends School?
- Annual tuition at Wilmington Friends School is $12.6K–$38.7K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What accreditations does Wilmington Friends School hold?
- Wilmington Friends School holds accreditations including IB.
- Is Wilmington Friends School co-educational?
- Wilmington Friends School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Wilmington Friends School located?
- Wilmington Friends School is an international school in Wilmington, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-27| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Three Full Days | 3–4 | $12.6K |
| Preschool Four Full Days | 3–4 | $15.9K |
| Preschool Five Half Days | 3–4 | $14.3K |
| Preschool Five Full Days | 3–4 | $18.6K |
| Pre-kindergarten, Half Day | 4–5 | $20K |
| Pre-kindergarten, Full Day | 4–5 | $25.2K |
| Kindergarten | 5–6 | $26.8K |
| First Grade | 6–7 | $30.9K |
| Second and Third Grade | 7–9 | $31K |
| Fourth and Fifth Grade | 9–11 | $31.3K |
| Sixth Grade | 11–12 | $32.8K |
| Seventh and Eighth Grade | 12–14 | $36.8K |
| Ninth through Twelfth Grade | 14–18 | $38.7K |
Admissions
Wilmington Friends School admits students of any race, color, gender, national, and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities. The school maintains a non-discriminatory policy regarding its educational, admissions, scholarship, and athletic programs. Prospective families are encouraged to inquire, visit campus, and attend open houses as part of the application process.
Calendar
The 2025-26 academic year begins on September 2, 2025, and concludes on June 5, 2026. Major breaks include Thanksgiving (November 26–30), Winter Vacation (December 20–January 4), Mid-Winter Break (February 13–16), and Spring Vacation (March 13–23). Commencement is scheduled for May 30, 2026.
About the campus
The school operates on two campuses in Wilmington, Delaware: a 25-acre middle/upper school campus in the Alapocas neighborhood and a 30-acre lower school campus in Alapocas Woods. Facilities include a reimagined lower school, dining services, and a 1-to-1 technology program providing iPads for grades K–3 and MacBooks for grades 4–12. The campus also features 860 solar panels, which offset a portion of the school's annual energy consumption.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a variety of clubs, committees, and athletic opportunities, including 23 varsity teams. Students may participate in programs such as the Malone School Online Network and School Year Abroad. Additionally, the school hosts summer programs ranging from preschool camps to middle school activities.
- Ken AldridgeHead of School
Ken Aldridge began his career at Wilmington Friends as the Assistant Head for Academics and IB Coordinator before being appointed Head of School. He holds a B.A. in Chemistry from the College of Wooster and a Masters of Chemistry Education from the University of Pennsylvania. An active Quaker, he serves on several educational boards and has extensive experience in independent school leadership.
- Edward J. Gallagher IIIAssistant Head of School for Academics & and International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator
Edward J. Gallagher III joined Friends in 2022, bringing experience from Girard College and AIM Academy. He holds a B.A. from Temple University, an Ed.M. from Holy Family University, and an Ed.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. His career has focused on educational leadership, including roles as an Upper School Dean of Students and Interim Head of School.
- J. R. NeiswenderHead of Upper School
J.R. Neiswender joined Friends in 2024 after serving as Head of Upper School at The New School in Fayetteville, AR. His 30-year career in independent schools includes experience as a history teacher, coach, and Director of College Counseling. He holds an A.B. from Princeton University and an M.A. from Teacher’s College, Columbia University.
- Jonathan HuxtableHead of Middle School
Jonathan Huxtable became Head of Middle School in 2012, having previously served the school as a teacher, coach, and Middle School Dean for Students. He holds a B.A. from Haverford College and an Ed.M. from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. He has also served as a founding head of Friends School of Harford.
- Chris LoefflerHead of Lower School
Chris Loeffler was appointed Head of Lower School in September 2024, having served as Interim Head since 2023. He has been with the school since 2005, previously serving as Assistant Head of Lower School and a teacher. He holds a B.A. from Swarthmore College and an M.Ed.M from Arcadia University.
- Melissa BrownDirector of Admissions and Financial Aid
Melissa Brown has been with the school since 2000, previously serving as Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid with a focus on lower school. She is a graduate of a Quaker school and has over 20 years of professional experience in enrollment. She holds a B.S. from Boston University.
- ShaQuan BuffaloeDirector of Finance and Operations
ShaQuan Buffaloe joined the school in 2023 as an accomplished financial leader in the non-profit sector. She previously served as the Senior Vice President of Finance at the YMCA of Delaware and in various accounting management roles. She holds a B.B.A. from Eastern University and an M.B.A. from Springfield College.