Business Details
32 Years
experience
Preschool-8th Grade Quaker Education in Wilmington, NC
Friends School Of Wilmington is an independent preschool through 8th-grade institution rooted in Quaker values, dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of learning and ethical leadership. Since 1994, we have prioritized academic excellence, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility, empowering students to become curious thinkers and compassionate changemakers. Our Montessori-based preschool and project-driven curriculum encourage hands-on exploration, critical inquiry, and real-world application of knowledge. With a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio and specialized facilities like the Longleaf Center for Environmental Learning, we cultivate a supportive community where students develop intellectual confidence, creativity, and a commitment to justice.Our faculty, many holding advanced degrees, integrate experiential learning, service projects, and social-emotional development to nurture the whole child. Through partnerships with organizations like Plastic Ocean Project and the Friends Committee on National Legislation, we emphasize civic engagement and global awareness. Our graduates emerge as ethical leaders equipped to address complex challenges with integrity and empathy, reflecting our mission to build a more just and sustainable world.
Services
Montessori Preschool
Lower School Programs
Middle School Curriculum
Environmental Education
Service Learning Projects
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer a Quaker-based curriculum emphasizing ethical leadership and social responsibility.
- Our 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention and support.
- Students engage in hands-on environmental education at our 3-acre Longleaf Center.
- Service learning projects connect classrooms to real-world community needs.
- Faculty members combine advanced degrees with decades of experiential teaching expertise.
What people say
Nurturing environment
Experienced faculty
Hands-on learning
Strong ethics focus
Vibrant community
Services
Montessori Preschool
Our Montessori program for ages 2-4 fosters foundational learning through sensory exploration and self-directed play. Students develop independence, fine motor skills, and environmental awareness using authentic Montessori materials. Outdoor discovery spaces encourage curiosity about nature while building social-emotional readiness for future academic success.
Lower School Programs
Kindergarten through 5th grade curriculum combines project-based learning with multi-modal instruction. Students engage in cross-disciplinary studies, technology integration, and weekly environmental education at the Longleaf Center. Small class sizes allow personalized math and literacy instruction while nurturing collaborative problem-solving skills.
Middle School Curriculum
6th-8th graders participate in applied academic projects, leadership development, and community advocacy. The program emphasizes critical thinking, scientific research, and ethical decision-making through partnerships with local organizations. Students complete capstone projects demonstrating mastery of core subjects and civic responsibility.
Environmental Education
Our 3-acre Longleaf Center provides hands-on ecosystem studies, sustainability projects, and conservation partnerships. Students conduct field research, maintain native plant gardens, and participate in regional environmental initiatives. This program cultivates ecological literacy and stewardship through direct engagement with natural systems.
Service Learning Projects
Service learning integrates civic responsibility into academic curriculum through age-appropriate initiatives. Students organize food drives, advocate for policy changes in Washington D.C., and collaborate with international partners on sustainability projects. These experiences develop empathy, systems thinking, and practical leadership skills while addressing real community needs.
People
Tony McCudden
Head of School
Tony McCudden leads with 25+ years of Quaker education experience, emphasizing ethical leadership and community building. He champions experiential learning and environmental stewardship while maintaining strong ties to the Wilmington community.
David Hoolahan
Director of Admissions
David Hoolahan guides families through the admissions process with 15+ years in Quaker education. He focuses on creating inclusive pathways for diverse learners to access FSW's unique educational model.
Ciara Goins
Preschool Coordinator
Ciara Goins oversees our Montessori program with AMI certification and 12 years of early childhood expertise. She designs developmentally appropriate curricula that balance structure with creative exploration in nature-rich environments.
Corrie Slay
Lower School Academic Coordinator
Corrie Slay directs elementary curriculum development, specializing in differentiated instruction and technology integration. With a decade at FSW, she ensures rigorous academics align with Quaker principles of simplicity and equality.
Amy McGlinn
Middle School Director
Amy McGlinn leads middle school programming with expertise in adolescent development and service-learning pedagogy. She has expanded civic engagement opportunities and strengthened college preparatory standards since 2018.
Questions
What grades does Friends School of Wilmington serve?
We serve preschool (ages 2-4) through 8th grade.
Is Friends School of Wilmington a religious institution?
Rooted in Quaker values, we welcome students of all backgrounds and foster spiritual exploration.
What distinguishes your environmental education program?
Our 3-acre Longleaf Center offers immersive outdoor learning experiences unique to southeast North Carolina.
Do you offer financial aid?
Yes, we provide need-based financial aid to qualified families.
What extracurricular activities are available?
We offer athletics, Science Olympiad teams, arts programs, and community service opportunities.
How do you support social-emotional development?
Our curriculum integrates mindfulness practices, conflict resolution training, and peer mentorship programs.
