West Chester Friends School

Dear Friends,

Let's start at the end.

There are many ways that one can get to know a school - to come to understand and appreciate the characteristics that distinguish it as a unique learning community. I believe that a school's graduation tells a very descriptive story and provides a window into the life of that school. And so, let's start at the end.

Commencement at West Chester Friends School is always an emotionally moving experience. It is so much more than a graduation. Rather, it is the culmination of a multitude of experiences that were both uniquely experienced and corporately shared by each fifth grade student and by each family. For all of them, whether they entered the School in pre-kindergarten or in subsequent years, the experiences will serve as foundations in their continued growth both as capable students who achieve academic success and as good persons who contribute to their next school community.

The entire commencement ceremony lasts about an hour. In that relatively short time, however, anyone present - even a bystander - can see and understand many of the elements that make the WCFS experience so meaningful: the students sitting with pride and confidence on the facing bench; a teacher describing the students' development and growth "into talented thinkers and writers" and applauding their "empathy, compassion and understanding for people, especially for those who are smaller"; the kindergarteners singing one last special song to their Meeting Buddies; the entire congregation settling into worshipful silence; parents and grandparents rising to offer the graduates prayerful thoughts and good wishes; and, throughout, the shedding of a few tears by students and adults, alike. During the reception following commencement, much of the conversation includes heartfelt expressions of gratitude from parents to teachers for making all of this possible and for helping to develop students who are well prepared to enter their chosen middle schools.

In order to reach this ending, one has to go back to the beginning. This web site provides a comprehensive introduction to our school. I invite you to explore every page to learn about our enriched academic program, as well as the experienced and dedicated professionals who deliver the curriculum in a challenging and nurturing environment. Read our teachers' web pages to gain a view of what's happening right now in their classrooms.  And peruse the calendar to see the wide range of ongoing and special events that play an important part in the life of our school. You will come to agree that students at West Chester Friends School are the fortunate beneficiaries of a full and enriching learning experience quite unlike any other in the area.

As much as you will learn from our web site, it cannot take the place of seeing our vibrant school community first hand. And so I urge you to call our Admissions Director, Barbara Rowe, who would be delighted to introduce you to West Chester Friends School in person. I look forward to meeting you in person, as well, to explore the possibility of welcoming your family to WCFS and beginning a journey toward commencement and beyond into a life of learning.

In peace,

Matthew H. Bradley
Head of School