Welcome to FSW

A place where students are more than learners — they are explorers, encouraged to question, reflect, create, and grow.

Welcome to Friends School of Wilmington, a private Quaker school in Wilmington, North Carolina, where students are known, challenged, and inspired each day. As I enter my fourth year as Head of School, I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead a community rooted in purpose, connection, and a shared commitment to the growth of every child.

At Friends School, our educational approach is grounded in Quaker values (simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship), brought to life through a progressive, experiential curriculum. We believe children learn best when they are actively engaged: asking meaningful questions, exploring ideas deeply, collaborating with others, and reflecting on their experiences. Here, students are not passive recipients of information; they are thoughtful participants in their own learning.

Our classrooms emphasize inquiry-based and project-based learning, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Whether students are conducting scientific investigations, engaging in collaborative problem-solving, or expressing themselves through the arts, they are developing both the academic skills and the habits of mind needed for lifelong learning.

A defining feature of a Friends School of Wilmington education is our commitment to environmental education and stewardship. Our students develop a deep connection to the natural world, learning not only about ecosystems and sustainability but also about their responsibility to care for the environment and one another.

Equally important is our strong sense of community. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where each student is valued and encouraged to bring their full self to school. Guided by the Quaker belief in the inherent worth of every individual, we nurture empathy, reflection, and a commitment to social responsibility. We want our students to not only succeed academically but also to live lives that truly “speak” through their actions.

Friends School of Wilmington is, at its heart, a place of joyful learning and meaningful connection. I invite you to explore our website to learn more about our programs and philosophy, and I warmly encourage you to visit our campus to experience firsthand what makes our school such a special place.

In Peace,

Tony McCudden
Head of School
tonym@fsow.org