List of 13 items.

• Why are we renovating the Lower School building?

  For the past half century, the Lower School campus has held an important place in the hearts of the Wilmington Friends community. In order to improve teaching and learning for future generations of students, the Trustees have approved comprehensive renovations that will preserve the legacy of Wilmington Friends School and create an inspiring environment for the 21st Century and beyond.

• What does the renovation plan include?

  The improvements, part of a comprehensive campus plan, will enhance the overall learning experience through: 

  • Reimagined play spaces: Innovative playgrounds that promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. 

  • Updated classrooms: New equipment, better lighting, and more natural light to improve the classroom experience.

  • New entrance and lobby: A new entranceway to provide a fresh and welcoming first impression while maintaining safety and accessibility for our community. The new lobby will provide more gathering space for the community.

  • Upgraded building infrastructure: New State-of-the-art HVAC system, upgraded plumbing systems, and a modernized roof, will ensure a safe, comfortable, and conducive learning atmosphere. Our building will also be more energy efficient.

• What is the timeline?

  The roof replacement was completed in Summer 2024. The rest of the work will take place over a projected 10-month period:

  
  

  June 2025 | Work begins 
  
  

  February 2026 | Phase I, everything except the new entry way, complete and students return to classrooms in the main building
  
  

  Spring 2026 | Phase II, new entryway, complete
  
  

  Late Spring 2026 | Open House

• Where will classrooms be?

  During the 25-26 school year, classes will all be housed at the lower school campus. Classrooms will move into one of three locations:

  • Current classrooms in the Meeting Room wing 
  • Current classrooms in the After-School Program
  • Temporary classrooms that will be housed on campus 

  We will be sure to share specifics by grade-level by March.

• How will the temporary classrooms accommodate students' needs during construction?

  The temporary classrooms are designed to provide a fully functional and comfortable learning environment throughout the construction period. These spaces will be equipped with all the necessary amenities and resources found in our permanent classrooms, ensuring that the educational experience remains uninterrupted. Additionally, these classrooms will be integrated into our existing school safety protocols.

• Do students know about the renovation plans?

  We have not shared the plans formally with students as of October 20, but many were involved last spring in a planning “charrette” where they were able to share their ideas for play spaces.

• How are teachers feeling about the upcoming renovations?

  Teachers are extremely excited about the renovations and are already thinking of fun and creative ways to incorporate the construction into lessons and activities. They are already thinking through what to pack.

• How are we funding the project?

  In addition to leveraging strategic reserves and debt to responsibly advance the renovations, we are proud to have raised nearly $1 million in recent months as part of our Empowering Generations campaign. However, we still need to secure an additional $9 million to fully reach our $10 million goal. Every contribution brings us closer to empowering future generations. If you'd like to help us reach this goal and make a lasting impact, please click here to donate now.

• How will this affect parking?

  At times, construction vehicles will most likely need to use some of the parking area. We will plan accordingly when a large number of people will need to be on campus.

• What about lower school traditions like the fall parade?

  We will continue with our normal routine and traditions next fall, though some may need to be temporarily reimagined. We will also make sure that our beloved statue friends such as the panda, the elephant, and Archibald the dog are safe during construction. 

• Where will summer camp be held?

  Summer Camp 2025 will be held on the middle/upper school campus.

• What accessibility measures will be in place for the temporary classrooms and after the renovations?

  All modifications, both temporary and permanent, will meet or exceed current ADA standards to ensure comfortable access for our entire school community. During construction, our temporary classrooms will be ADA-compliant with ramps for entrance/exit access, have wide doorways and corridors meeting ADA specifications, have accessible restroom facilities, have level flooring throughout temporary space, and have clear pathways between temporary classroom units. The lower school will continue its accessibility practices in regards to the renovations with an upgraded elevator for access to the lower level, sloped pathways to the main and Meeting Room entrances, and wheelchair accessible restrooms. 

• Why should I enroll now?

  Enrolling in Wilmington Friends Lower School now, despite upcoming construction, has several compelling advantages:
  
  

  Commitment to Quality Education: Wilmington Friends School maintains its commitment to providing a high-quality education, regardless of construction. Our comprehensive lower school program will be offered in the same way during the time that some of our students will be located in temporary classrooms.

  
  

  Exciting Improvements: The construction will enhance the learning environment for your child in the long run. Enrolling now ensures your child will benefit from these upgrades and improvements  as soon as they are completed.

  
  

  Strong Community Support: Wilmington Friends has a tight-knit community, known for supporting families during transitions like construction, and we have plans to keep routines smooth and consistent.

  
  

  Special Opportunities: Some school construction projects offer unique opportunities for students to engage in the process. For instance, students may be able to participate in lessons about architecture, construction, or sustainability as part of the experience.

  
  Proven Track Record: Wilmington Friends has a history of successfully navigating challenges while maintaining a high level of education. Our focus on individual student needs will not be compromised.
  
  Avoiding waitlists: We anticipate increased interest due to the renovations, which could result in waitlists for some grade levels.