New Resources Play Critical Role During COVID-19 Pandemic
The Campus Redevelopment Plan, which formed part of the Light the Future Campaign, has helped the School provide students with an enriched learning experience throughout the pandemic. Bo Lauder comments, “Our gratitude to everyone who supported the Light the Future Campaign has only deepened over time. The new facilities were especially critical to the success of the 2020-21 academic year.”
Improved flow throughout the campus, with wider stairways and corridors, made it possible to manage safe social distance. Additional new classrooms meant the youngest students learned in school, enabling K-2 students to come five days a week and Grades 3-4 for four. State-of-the-art classrooms with bright light, medical-grade ventilation, and new technology created a stimulating and safe environment for students.
Larger and more flexible spaces, such as the two double classrooms, provided space for social distance that enabled Upper School English and History classes to stay together when on campus. The Great Room provided crucial indoor space for daily PE classes. The US Commons served as a Grade 4 classroom that accommodated 13 students in person and all Grade 4 students who were engaged in distance learning. Additional spaces, like the Center for Peace Equity and Justice and the Ensemble Room, gave MS students the opportunity to leave their homerooms for individualized music and language classes. Four entrances (222, 218, Rutherford Gate, and the 15th Street Annex) made it possible to manage health screening and temperature checks every morning.
Friends Seminary was featured in EDmarket’s Essentials Magazine as one of four case studies of built projects focused on the potential of transformative adaptive reuse of historic buildings for innovative learning and environmental stewardship. Click here to read the full article.
The Stories Behind Your Support
Every year the Fund for Friends (annual giving) advances the School’s mission by providing funds for financial aid, salaries, and programming that are not covered in the operating budget.
In 2020-21, Friends Seminary’s financial aid budget was $6.4 million, a 12% increase over 2019-20. It provided 170 students with tuition support and ancillary aid. Ancillary aid helps students with support for athletics, arts programming, after school programs, SAT/ACT tutoring, and other expenses not covered by tuition. Click here to read an alumna’s reflections on the impact of her Friends Seminary education.
If you made a gift to the 2020-21 Fund for Friends, thank you! Please consider supporting the 2021-22 Fund for Friends. All gifts, small and large, make a difference. Click here to make your gift today!