Admissions
Imagine a school where your child is known, challenged, and inspired to grow with confidence and purpose.
Friends School of Wilmington is a private Quaker school in Wilmington, NC, where students are known, valued, and inspired to develop a strong sense of purpose and belonging. Thank you for your interest in our school. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our campus, our programs, and the dedicated educators who create a supportive and engaging learning environment for every child.
As you explore, you will discover what makes Friends School of Wilmington a distinctive choice among independent schools in Wilmington. Our community is grounded in collaboration among teachers, families, and staff, all working with intention to support the growth, well-being, and academic success of each student.
Friends School of Wilmington is rooted in the Quaker tradition, an educational philosophy that dates back to 1689 and emphasizes reflection, integrity, and respect for every individual. Founded in 1994, our school is part of a broader network of Friends schools through the Friends Council on Education. Our Preschool program incorporates Montessori principles, offering a thoughtful, child-centered foundation for early learning.
Our identity as a Quaker school shapes every aspect of the student experience. We offer a challenging academic program built on experiential, project-based, and collaborative learning. Students engage deeply with environmental education, develop a strong sense of social responsibility through our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging, and grow as lifelong learners prepared to lead with courage, integrity, and compassion.
The admissions process at Friends School of Wilmington is designed to be welcoming and informative. We encourage families to begin by submitting an inquiry, scheduling a campus tour, and connecting with our admissions team to learn more about our programs. From there, families can complete an application and participate in the next steps appropriate for their child’s age and grade level. Throughout the process, our goal is to build meaningful relationships and ensure that each family understands what makes our community unique.
We look forward to meeting you and helping you explore whether Friends School of Wilmington is the right fit for your child and your family.
An FSW Student Is...
Engaged
Our students take the lead in their education, diving into hands-on, project-based learning that connects directly to the real world. It's the difference between reading about Archimedes' principle in a textbook and applying his formula to design a cardboard boat that you race across the Intracoastal Waterway. (Yes, really. The annual boat regatta Golden Paddle Award is a *big* deal in 8th grade). Here, our students don't just excel academically; they thrive on understanding the "whys" in every lesson. By fostering curiosity and critical thinking, we empower them to make meaningful connections and take ownership in their learning journey, preparing them for whatever life's next chapter may be.
Empowered
Our students are agents of change. Service learning is a core part of our curriculum, fostering ethical leadership, nurturing cross-cultural understanding, and modeling civil dialogue. At our 3-acre Longleaf Center for Environmental Learning, students get their hands dirty (literally!) as they learn about native plants and endemic species alongside community organizations like Plastic Ocean Project and Cape Fear Audubon. Each class organizes its own service project, such as our 4th grade partnership with the Diaper Bank of NC, our Kindergarten laundry drive for the Humane Society, and our 7th graders’ lobbying efforts with the Friends Committee on National Legislation in Washington, D.C. Here, students become environmental stewards and global peacemakers, ready to lift up the world in goodness. By fostering a sense of responsibility and global awareness, we prepare them not just for academic success but for meaningful contributions to society.
Joyful
Joy is at the heart of everything we do. Community isn’t just a catchword; it’s our mission to create a culture of belonging where everyone is seen and celebrated for their authentic selves. And we know how to have fun! Our Student Council runs a lively Fall Festival, we host moonlit trivia nights, and our 1-to-1 buddy system fosters meaningful cross-grade friendships. With potlucks, parent-led hikes, beach days, and camping trips, we create lasting memories together. This joyful spirit makes our school a place where students feel valued and supported. By embracing joy and connection, we nurture an environment where students thrive academically and personally, fostering a lifelong love for learning and a strong sense of community.
Discover the Friends School Difference
