Tandem Friends School Mission: Rooted in Quaker values, Tandem Friends School prepares young people for higher education and fulfilling lives of integrity, creative expression and service.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked VA School
- Grades: 5-12
- Enrollment: 244 students
- Average class size: 13 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Tandem Friends School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
ACT Score
Student Body
Extracurriculars
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 5-12
Year Founded
1970
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
244 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
22%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
68%
Average Class Size
13 students
Number of AP Courses
8 courses
Advanced Courses
Computer Science Principles, English, French, Government, Latin, Spanish, Statistics, US History
Average ACT score
30
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
None
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
5TH - 6TH $27,500
7TH - 12TH $28,700
International student fee: $7,500
% on Financial Aid
40%
Admissions Director
Mary Lyman Bias
Sports
Total Sports Offered
7 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
14 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Art Club, Chess Club, Creative Writing Club, Diversity Council, Drama Club, Friends Council, GSA, Knitting & Fiber Arts Club, Model United Nations, Science Olympiad Team, Student Newspaper, Student Senate, Tandem Earth
Arts and Music Programs:
Upper School Drama
Art Club, Chess Club, Creative Writing Club, Diversity Council, Drama Club, Friends Council, GSA, Knitting & Fiber Arts Club, Model United Nations, Science Olympiad Team, Student Newspaper, Student Senate, Tandem Earth
Arts and Music Programs:
Upper School Drama
School Notes
- What happens when young people are given the chance to truly explore their imaginations, express their inner light, contribute to their community, and collaborate in their education?They become their boldest selves - and they grow, together, into engaged, inspired and purposeful change-makers.For50 years, Tandem Friends School has been the place for these daring doers: the big dreamers who embrace the beauty and power of ideas and self-expression; the purposeful learners who have an unabashed enthusiasm for discovering knowledge; the independent thinkers who care about the world and want to change it for the better.
- Here, students in grades 5-12 benefit from a progressive, purpose-based approach to education, as they build a lifelong respect for learning on a foundation of:
- Freedom with Responsibility:TFS students are trusted asactive partners in their education, embracing the joys of exploration, inventive learning, and risk taking, while always weighing the consequences of their actions.
- Kindness & Wisdom:Ouracademic programnot only emphasizes individual thought, expression, and curiosity, but also shared intention and service to others - resulting inengaged and self-assured graduateswho embrace their unique gifts while cultivating community.
- Creativity & Integrity: By prioritizing both academic and creative pursuits, TFS helps studentslet their lives speakwhile challenging them to take initiative in their own growth and development.When students learn and share in a community that recognizes their unique voices, values both creative and academic challenge, and acts for peace and justice, it`s no surprise thattomorrow`s leaders grow in Tandem.
- Ready to join them? Experience the Tandem difference.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Tandem Friends School often compared to?
Tandem Friends School is often viewed alongside schools like The Covenant School, St. Anne's-belfield School by visitors of our site.
What sports does Tandem Friends School offer?
Tandem Friends School offers 7 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
What is Tandem Friends School's ranking?
Tandem Friends School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Highest average ACT score, Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Tandem Friends School?
The application deadline for Tandem Friends School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 10/13/2021
Tandem Friends School is the best independent school option in the greater Charlottesville area for middle and high school students -- if our kids hadn't gone to Tandem Friends, they would have gone to one of the very good local public schools. However, because of tracking in the public schools, our kids would not have had as complete a school experience as they had at Tandem. Here, they got to know their teachers, staff, and fellow students in a much more authentic way across boundaries like age, interest area, etc. Everyone knows everyone well and participates in the community as a whole person. Teachers and staff are very committed to helping everyone navigate challenges and celebrate successes. My kids were incredibly well prepared for both the academic and social aspects of their college experiences, and I'm incredibly grateful to this wonderful school community for helping each of them to learn and grow into responsible, hard-working, compassionate, and emotionally intelligent young adults.
5 11/21/2020
Tandem is the most inclusive, creative school my kids have attended. Everyone is welcome and everyone is valued. The applied learning across disciplines is challenging. The teachers are very accessible.
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