Discover the Difference.

We are delighted that you are considering joining our vibrant and close-knit community. Applying to FSW is an exciting journey, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our application process is designed to get to know your child as an individual, celebrate their unique strengths, and understand how they will thrive academically, socially, and emotionally here at Friends. From the moment you begin your application to your first day at drop-off, we promise a warm and inclusive experience that reflects the heart of our school. We look forward to getting to know your family and sharing in the promise of a transformative educational journey together. Let's get started!

Application Steps

First, get to know FSW!

Weʼd love for you to get to know us a little better. Explore our website and complete an Inquiry Form to find out more.
Register for an upcoming Open House or schedule a campus tour to visit our classrooms and experience the joy of a Friends education.

Next, submit your application materials including all student documentation.

Complete an Online Application. FSW accepts applications throughout the school year. Priority consideration is given to applications received by December 13.
See below for details on required documentation for each grade level.

Last, prepare for an applicant visit.

Once the application and student documentation are received, the Director of Admissions will reach out to schedule a visit.

Dates & Deadlines

February 21, 2026

Preschool Open House

April 18, 2026

Preschool Open House

May 29, 2026

8th Grade Graduation

Required Documentation & Applicant Visit

Preschool

Required Preschool Documentation

If your child is currently attending a preschool program, submit the Teacher Recommendation Form to their current school and/or teacher. They will return the completed document to us directly.

Preschool Applicant Visit

Preschool applicants will join both their current age group and the class they’re applying for in teacher- and child-led activities. They’ll also be observed and meet informally with various preschool teachers and our School Counselor.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition and Financial Aid information can be found here. Families who are in need of financial aid may apply by completing the process outlined on the linked webpage above and following the instructions to submit all necessary forms. To ensure consideration, please submit your financial aid application at the same time as your general application.

Financial aid awards are communicated alongside admission decisions. Applications submitted after the EARLY (December 13) and STANDARD (January 15) deadlines will be considered on a funds-available basis.

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade

Required K-2nd Documentation

Student Drawing or Writing Sample
Teacher Recommendation Form (The applicant's current school will submit to FSW directly)
- For current New Hanover County Schools families, NHCS does not permit teachers to complete external recommendation forms. Contact David Hoolahan for alternative options.
Release of Records Authorization (The applicant's current school will submit to FSW directly)
- For current New Hanover County Schools families, we will complete this step on your behalf. You do not need to submit this form.

K-2nd Applicant Visit

K–2nd applicants will spend time participating in teacher- and student-led activities with the class for the grade they’re applying to join. They’ll also be observed and meet informally with the Lead and Assistant teachers, the Lower School Student and Curriculum Coordinators, and our School Counselor.

3rd Grade - 8th Grade

Required 3rd-8th Documentation

Student Questionnaire
Teacher Recommendation Form (The applicant's current school will submit to FSW directly)
- For current New Hanover County Schools families, NHCS does not permit teachers to complete external recommendation forms. Contact David Hoolahan for alternative options.
Release of Records Authorization (The applicant's current school will submit to FSW directly)
- For current New Hanover County Schools families, we will complete this step on your behalf. You do not need to submit this form.

3rd-8th Applicant Visit

3rd-5th applicants will spend time participating in teacher- and student-led activities with the class for the grade they’re applying to join. They’ll also be observed and meet informally with the Lead and Assistant Teachers, the Lower School Student and Curriculum Coordinators, and our School Counselor. Baseline testing will also be completed during the visit.

6th-8th applicants will participate in each of the main curricular areas and advisory with the class for the grade they’re applying to join. They’ll be observed and meet informally with the four core Middle School teachers, the Middle School Director, and our School Counselor. Baseline testing will also be completed during the visit.

Friends School of Wilmington is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS), and Friends Council on Education (FCE). FSW admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, mental or physical disability, gender identity or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. FSW does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religion, mental or physical disability, gender identity or sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletics, and other policies and programs.

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Admissions Process