In late June, 11 WFS upper school students traveled to Acadia National Park in Maine with teachers Kelley Cox and Sara Woodward for a QUEST service learning trip in partnership with Earthwatch.
For five days, students worked as real-life field scientists, helping researchers add to over 120 years of scientific data detailing how our reliance on fossil fuels affects Acadia National Park.
Students began their trip by learning about the research site and lab, research methods, partaking in species identification training, and how to use various citizen science apps like iNaturalist and eBird. After this introduction, they began collecting intertidal and forest biodiversity data to see if species adapted to warming. They also recorded flowering shrubs, indicating when native shrubs important to migrating birds started to flower and bear fruit. Lastly, students hunted for crabs in the intertidal zone, counting the number of invasive green crabs and native Jonah crabs.
All of the information that students recorded will be used by researchers and park managers, hoping that this information will inspire management actions that will help safeguard this iconic National Park.
QUEST Term Service/Leadership Trips engage students in an experiential learning model to increase their understanding of global issues as well as strategies to mitigate the impact of these challenges. During the summers preceding their 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years, students may elect to travel to domestic or international destinations to engage in global issues through service and leadership.
WFS recently hosted a workshop for the Chinese Language Teachers Association (CLTA), gathering kindergarten through college Chinese educators to exchange ideas and experiences on organizing summer study abroad tours.
Gavin Jefferson '26 became involved with the Jester Artspace for a project in his Quakerism class, and continued helping the organization even after his project was complete. Click here to read more.
I am excited to announce that Chris Loeffler ’00 has been appointed the next Head of Lower School. Chris’s philosophy that education extends beyond knowledge acquisition to making the world a better place along with his comprehensive understanding of our school community make him uniquely qualified for this role.
Upper school students visited with Lindsay Rademaker Reinhold '94 during a Lunch and Learn hosted by the Service Committee to hear more about the work she does with Canine Partners for Life and how they can become involved with the organization. Students also got to meet Lindsay's current puppy-in-training, Abby!
Yesterday was our first lower school Culture Quest, an exciting opportunity for students to learn more about other cultures. This first event in this school year-long series explored the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah through reading, crafts, and food!
Middle School Bonding Day is an important tradition at the beginning of each school year where our middle school grades take a day away for fun games and activities to help them bond as a class.
Parents and guardians were treated to performances by the Jazz Band and Chamber Singers at yesterday's upper school back to school night. #WFSArts #WFSUpperSchool
The annual upper school Clubs and Committees Fair allows students to learn about the many clubs and committees at WFS. From the Economics Club to Quaker Cares, there's something for everyone! #WFSUpperSchool #WFSBeyondtheClassroom #WFSLeadership
Members of the WFS Class of 2025 gathered this morning for a Senior Sunrise Breakfast, hosted by the Senior Class Reps and Senior Fun Club (held inside due to inclement weather!)
Congratulations to WFS seniors Logan Scott, Gabe Fletcher, and Gigi Facciolo, who were named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program!
Last week, WFS 9th through 11th graders participated in a day of service, volunteering at Delaware organizations from the New Castle County Hope Center to Friendship House Clothing Bank, among others.
Delaware's First Spouse, Tracey Quillen Carney '80, visited with PreK and Kindergarten classes to read her newly published book "Books for Blue," which is also illustrated by WFS alum Emily David Hershman '09!
WFS juniors who are beginning the International Baccalaureate Diploma program gathered for dinner last week to learn more about what's next in their academic journey.
Statement of Nondiscrimination as to Student Enrollment
Wilmington Friends School admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of these schools. Wilmington Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.