About
Lifelong Learners. Courageous Leaders. Connected Community.
A private Quaker school in Wilmington, NC serving preschool through 8th grade.
Friends School of Wilmington is a private, independent preschool–8th grade Quaker school in Wilmington, NC, dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of learning and preparing students to lead with courage, integrity, and compassion.
At Friends School of Wilmington (FSW), our mission is rooted in academic excellence and the development of strong ethical character. We provide a student-centered learning environment where children are known, challenged, and supported as they grow into curious thinkers and compassionate leaders. Grounded in Quaker values, our approach nurtures both intellectual growth and a deep sense of purpose, helping students lead lives guided by curiosity, kindness, wisdom, and empathy.
Our program begins with a Montessori-inspired preschool, where young children engage in hands-on, experiential learning that encourages independence and discovery. In our Lower School and Middle School, students build strong academic foundations while developing critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills. Through project-based learning and meaningful real-world connections, students learn to solve problems with confidence, adaptability, and authenticity.
Our experienced and dedicated faculty, many of whom hold advanced degrees, bring expertise and care to every classroom. They design engaging learning experiences that challenge and inspire each student to reach their highest potential. This work is supported by a dynamic curriculum that integrates experiential learning, service learning, and environmental education.
Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, our campus enhances student learning through exceptional resources, including the multi-acre Longleaf Center for Environmental Learning, innovative Lower School educational technology spaces, and a Middle School 1:1 Chromebook program. These programs prepare students to thrive in an ever-changing world while staying grounded in strong values.
At Friends School of Wilmington, students develop a joy for learning, the confidence to lead, and a commitment to building a more just and compassionate community.
