Founded in 1794 in the Friends tradition, BFS is a vibrant K-8 school community.
Valuing the traditions of our past, we prepare students for the challenges of their future.
Students are actively engaged in their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical education, learning to care for themselves, their school, community, and the world.
Recess and recreation are important components of each day, where children can be children while mastering the skills necessary for peaceful conflict resolution and positive social collaboration.
Inspired by Quaker spiritual tradition, BFS students are encouraged to think deeply and reflect thoughtfully, resulting in students who are known for their confidence, poise, and ability to articulate their thoughts.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked PA School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 160 students
- Yearly Tuition: $24,856
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Buckingham Friends School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Year Founded
1794
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
160 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
17%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
61%
Average Class Size
16 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$24,856
Tuition Notes
$750 Technology fee charged in grades 6, 7 and 8.
% on Financial Aid
40%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$7,000
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Melissa Clayton
Endowment Size
$6.7 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
16 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
After-School Program, Chess Club, Cooking Club, Nature Club, Science Club, Soccer Club, Theater Club, Wilderness Club, Writer's Workshop, Yoga, Zumba Fitness
Arts and Music Programs:
Guitar Lessons, Piano Lessons, Voice Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Interscholastic Sports (grades 5 -8), Intramural Sports (grades 3 - 5)
After-School Program, Chess Club, Cooking Club, Nature Club, Science Club, Soccer Club, Theater Club, Wilderness Club, Writer's Workshop, Yoga, Zumba Fitness
Arts and Music Programs:
Guitar Lessons, Piano Lessons, Voice Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Interscholastic Sports (grades 5 -8), Intramural Sports (grades 3 - 5)
School Notes
- Committed to our mission of inspiring the Light within each person, it challenges us to reward curiosity, acknowledge the effort, and promote individual interest. We utilize our 44 beautifully wooded acres to support experiential learning, and our curriculum uses project-based learning where appropriate to develop collaborative skills and creative problem-solving. Our community of like-minded families partners with school faculty and administration for a strong, positive, and supportive school environment. See for yourself, schedule a personal tour, or register for an open house!
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Buckingham Friends School cost?
Buckingham Friends School's tuition is approximately $24,856 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Buckingham Friends School?
The acceptance rate of Buckingham Friends School is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 87%. Buckingham Friends School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Pennsylvania with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Buckingham Friends School offer?
Buckingham Friends School offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer and Softball.
What is Buckingham Friends School's ranking?
Buckingham Friends School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Buckingham Friends School?
The application deadline for Buckingham Friends School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 8/23/2024
We love BFS! My child is excelling academically and gets to pursue her creative passions in the wonderful arts program. The campus is beautiful and she has ample time to play, explore, and learn outdoors. We are looking forward to the upcoming school year!
5 1/6/2023
Wonderful fit for our 3 young children. Very accepting and thoughtful educators, caring community of staff and parents, and impressive offering of an array of non-core specials in art, music, mindfulness, wood shop, PE, and language outside the core curriculum. Our family loves to be outside and is extremely active; the BFS campus, faculty, and facilities encourage this. Extremely grateful to be part of a community that celebrates all children.
5 12/23/2022
Our son goes to BFS and it's the best decision we ever made. He loves it so much. The education cannot be beaten -- the teachers go above and beyond in all areas. I remember being stunned in Kindergarten at how fast he was learning to read, write, do the math, understand science, etc. And the relationships he has formed -- with both students and staff -- are priceless. He has formed meaningful friendships, not only among his classmates but even with older kids at the school. They get to know each other so well on the playground, in activities, plays, etc. The teachers are so kind and loving. And we feel valued as a part of the school community. BFS is the best.
5 8/20/2020
My daughter attended BFS for middle school. After touring a couple of other options nearby, BFS stood out for their welcoming and warm vibe. Our daughter attended a private school in nyc until 5th grade and wasn`t sure what to expect in bucks county. After 3 years and since graduating-the French program headed by Madame Schreiber surpassed our expectations. She also enjoyed Science with Ms. Thliveris and English with Ms. Shaw. Our daughter is currently back in nyc private school for high school-doing well and in multiple advance classes. The current head of the school was appointed during our last year but was already making major improvements. I fully endorse BFS-for their high standards, strong leadership (teachers and administration) and welcoming environment.
5 4/6/2020
We have 2 children who attend this school and we are just amazed. This loving and welcoming community has become a second family to us. The teachers go above and beyond to see the Light in every child and nurture them, while giving them an AMAZING education. My children love all the specials (French, Wood shop, Art, Music, Mindfulness, PE, Library), the Big Friend/Little Friend program, the International Program (JEM)/visitors, and all the extra recess time. The children even go sledding in the winter! Can't say enough about how much we love this school!
5 2/25/2020
As a current parent of a BFS student with a younger sibling planning to enter, I can't imagine sending my children anywhere else. The school teaches children as individuals and educates them to their personal best, spending time to get to know each one and their distinct personalities and capabilities. There is a freedom the students encounter on the campus where they spend a healthy portion of their days outdoors, understanding that play and physical activity is an important part of learning. The feeling of community and family is felt not only within the child's own classroom but extends to parents and administrators who truly care about each student. Academically, my child is challenged enough to maintain interest and remain curious. BFS also emphasizes building confidence in each child and supporting growth through class plays and opportunities to perform or speak in front of groups beginning in kindergarten. Every day my child is eager to go to school and comes home with a smile.
5 5/21/2016
My daughter comes home beaming each day. I thought it was just the excitement of being in Kindergarten, but we are three years in and her reaction is still the same. It is truly a gift to know that her days are filled with joy while she is learning. I never waiver on the costs, her happiness, self esteem and academic growth are worth a million more dollars.
5 1/19/2016
BFS is a wonderful K-8 school that offers an amazing education set in teaching children to problem solve creatively, foster a love of learning and teach necessary life skills to prepare them for high school and beyond! A hidden gem in Bucks County!
I have to admit we had our reservations about sending our kids to private school given the strength of the public school systems in our area, I can 100% say this was the best decision we ever made for our children. In the five years we have been involved in the BFS community I have seen my children flourish in the wonderful environment that has been created at Buckingham Friends School ?This school has treated my children like members of their family and we would never have anything close to this experience at a public school both socially and academically. My children love school and everything about it! Buckingham Friends School is truly a gift to offer your children, a little more time to be children, a place to learn, to think and grow as well rounded individuals.
5 1/19/2016
The people of this school do so much more than teach academics, they instill values like respect, kindness, confidence and gentleness. In short, as well as creating well educated people, this school teaches kids how to be good PEOPLE! This school was the greatest gift my parents gave me.
Endorse Buckingham Friends School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.