Friends` Central School is a Quaker, independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school for students in Nursery through grade 12.
Located on 41 acres across two campuses in Wynnewood, Pa., Friends` Central cultivates the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical promise of students.
Guided by Quaker values, since 1845, Friends` Central School has been educating for excellence, inspiring tomorrow`s leaders, honoring each individual, and encouraging students to peacefully transform the world.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked PA School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Acceptance rate: 38%
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 8 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Friends Central School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Sports offered
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Year Founded
1845
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
n/a
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
35%
State avg.: 27%
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
104 teachers
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
70%
Average Class Size
14 students
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1290
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
29
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 8 / rolling
Tuition Notes
$25,000 for Nursery - $43,900 for Grade 12
Acceptance Rate
38%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Lydia Martin
Admissions Associate
Wesley Blades
Sports
Total Sports Offered
17 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
10 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Middle School Clubs, Upper School Jazz Band
Arts and Music Programs:
Middle School Orchestra, Middle School Choir, Middle School Drama, Middle School Jazz Band, Upper School Orchestra, Upper School Choir, Upper School Clubs, Upper School Drama
Middle School Clubs, Upper School Jazz Band
Arts and Music Programs:
Middle School Orchestra, Middle School Choir, Middle School Drama, Middle School Jazz Band, Upper School Orchestra, Upper School Choir, Upper School Clubs, Upper School Drama
School Notes
- At Friends` Central, we believe that realizing a child`s potential is about more than character, talent, or even rigorous academics. It requires a balanced combination of intellectual discipline and spiritual cultivation. Since 1845, we have prepared our students for the most challenging colleges and careers, while also providing them with the moral compass they need to serve as engaged and active citizens, by blending a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with enduring Quaker principles. Friends' Central students are expected to honor each other's voices and to recognize a plurality of perspectives. They are expected to engage actively in their coursework, to take seriously their stewardship of the local and global communities, to question, probe, listen, and share. Our exceptional faculty inspires our students to respond to what is best in themselves and to recognize and learn from the best in others. As a result, our graduates are intelligent, compassionate problem solvers, they are active, involved citizens, and they are visionary leaders. The graduates of Friends` Central and their impact on the world are proof positive thatQuaker Worksat Friends' Central School.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Friends Central School?
The acceptance rate of Friends Central School is 38%, which is lower than the national average of 87%. Friends Central School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Pennsylvania with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Friends Central School offer?
Friends Central School offers 17 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Water Polo, Winter Track and Wrestling. Friends Central School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for most sports offered.
What is Friends Central School's ranking?
Friends Central School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Friends Central School?
The application deadline for Friends Central School is Dec. 8 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 8 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Friends Central School also viewed these schools: Girard College, The City School (Pre-k(4)-12), The Baldwin School, The Haverford School and Sharon Christian Academy.
The nearest high school to Friends Central School is St. Katherine Day School -upper (0.7 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Presentation Bvm School-penn Wyne (0.7 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Robert J Wilf Preschool And Kindergarten (0.4 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: 1-12 | 319 students 4.9 miles 2101 S College Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19121
(215) 787-2621
Philadelphia, PA 19121
(215) 787-2621
4.9
1-12
319
Grades: PK-12 | 546 students 6.2 miles 910 N. 6th Street (Multiple Campus Locations)
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 792-6224
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 792-6224
6.2
PK-12
546
Grades: PK-12 | 566 students 3.7 miles 701 Montgomery Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(610) 525-2700
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(610) 525-2700
3.7
PK-12
566
Grades: PK-12 | 937 students 3.1 miles 450 Lancaster Ave.
Haverford, PA 19041
(610) 642-3020
Haverford, PA 19041
(610) 642-3020
3.1
PK-12
937
Sharon Christian Academy
(Baptist)
Grades: NS-5 | 80 students 3.1 miles 3955 Conshohocken Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19131
(215) 473-3446
Philadelphia, PA 19131
(215) 473-3446
3.1
NS-5
80
School Reviews
5 10/7/2018
Amazing instructors, caring and knowledgeable.
Endorse Friends Central 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
Expelled for Smoking Pot: What Parents Need to Know
We explore the consequences of marijuana use in private schools, discussing expulsion policies, legal implications, and impacts on college admissions. This Q&A format article provides insights for parents navigating disciplinary actions and offers advice on prevention and support for students.
U.S. Private Schools: A Guide for International Students
Dive into the nitty-gritty of attending U.S. private schools as an international student. From tackling the admissions maze to conquering the TOEFL, this guide's got you covered. We'll walk you through visa hurdles, financial realities, and even virtual campus tours. Buckle up for an insider's look at making your American education dreams a reality!
Early Childhood Education: 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.
