Friends School of Wilmington

Sunshine, muddy shoes, big questions, and even bigger smiles.
At Friends School of Wilmington, summer is full of curiosity, creativity, and joy, and we carry that spirit right into the school year. Whether it’s exploring outdoors, diving into hands-on projects, or building friendships that last, our students love to learn because learning feels like an adventure.
We’re getting ready for another amazing year, and we’d love for your family to be part of it.
Spots for 2026–2027 are filling quickly so come see the magic for yourself.

Last Friday, our 8th graders took part in a favorite end-of-year FSW tradition, the Boat Regatta!! Graciously hosted by our friends at Wrightsville SUP

The Boat Regatta is a STEM challenge where students design and build cardboard boats to test engineering, teamwork, and a little bit of chaos on the water! The day saw everything from looming storms to strong runs and three dramatic boat sinkings.

The first boat home and wire-to-wire winners were Team Hercules, expertly paddled by July and Finley, closely followed by Team Poseidon, steered by Lucas and Henry LA.

Huge appreciation for the strong 8th grade parent turnout and the incredible team spirit from start to finish. Big thanks to Jared, Jen, and the whole WB SUP crew for hosting us and making the day possible.

Yesterday, with the help of Karen, some preschool Friends, and our maintenance technician, Luke, we released a rehabilitated Box Turtle back into the environment!! 💚🐢

Luke discovered this turtle underneath the grapevines in our Longleaf forest on March 19th. Both of her eyelids were swollen shut, with what we assumed was an infection. We quickly took the turtle to Paws and Claws, where they gave her antibiotics and housed her until May 4th.

The Eastern Box Turtle is the official state reptile of NC! They are one of the longest lived land vertebrates in North America, and this one specifically is about 15 years old!! (An imprecise practice to calculate their age is to count the lines on one scute and then divide by two.. so we think she’s about 15!)

Huge thank you to Luke, Karen, Paws and Claws Wildlife Rehabilitation, and our Stargazer Friends for working together to rehabilitate and release this sweet creature!!

The end-of-year, celebratory field trips are a rite of passage, beginning for students in 1st and 2nd grade during their annual Seahorse Sing-Along and Camp Out!

Last night these Friends braved the potential of gloomy weather and ventured out to Carolina Beach State Park, where they sang around the camp fire, made hot dogs and s’mores, and went on an after-dark hike to spot local, nocturnal wildlife.

As students advance in grades, the field trips become more independent and time-consuming, but for our sweet Seahorses (and Fiddler Crabs) this one-night camp out is a perfect way to celebrate their hard work from the year, and connect with one another in nature!

Happy Earth Week!!! 🌎🌱💚☮️♻️☀️

FSW celebrated to the maxx at our annual Earth Day Festival today. Through water-conservation relays, lessons from local connoisseurs and sustainability practitioners, a fully compostable snack station, and so much more, we learned how to care for the planet while still having all the fun!!! (because caring for the Earth *IS* fun)

Tremendous thank you to the many teachers, parent volunteers, and local organizations who made this wonderful event possible!!



Carolina Beach State Park

Plastic Ocean Project

Cape Fear River Watch

Seven months of hard work, problem-solving, after-school prep, and teamwork, all culminating in one incredible weekend. The State Science Olympiad Tournament in Raleigh was a true celebration of everything our FSW scientists have worked toward this season.

Our middle school team took on 25 science and engineering events across two action-packed days, showcasing skills that ranged from hands-on builds to deep scientific knowledge. Whether designing hovercrafts, analyzing ocean systems, solving forensic cases, or exploring quantum physics, they rose to every challenge.

What stood out most wasn’t just the competition, it was the resilience, collaboration, and joy our students brought to every event. We were also proud to cheer on many FSW alumni continuing their Science Olympiad journeys at the high school level.

From a highly competitive field of 45 teams, we were proud of all our students’ performances, and excited to celebrate these standout medal results:
🥈 Coverly Correll & Indira Caton - 2nd Place, Metric Mastery
🥉 Lila Harrell & Kat Wright - 6th Place, Crime Busters
🏅 Henry Laudadio & Sam Cox - 8th Place, Dynamic Planet
🏅 Coverly Correll & Sam Cox - 8th Place, Entomology

A fantastic finish to an incredible season and we couldn’t be prouder.

Now accepting applications! https://www.fsow.org/about/employment/apply

A gift to all who knew Irene. She was a Friend to all in Wilmington and she will be missed

Radiant Light, Quiet Strength, and Inspired Leadership, Irene McHenry

We are grateful for the life and witness of Irene McHenry. Her quiet strength and deep wisdom radiated warmth and caring with every interaction. She moved through the world attentive to the Light in each of us. Whether she was teaching in a classroom, guiding a young professional, or holding a room full of seasoned colleagues in gentle, steady care, she saw the beauty as well as the opportunity to seek justice. Her way of being invited us to slow down, to listen more deeply, and to meet one another with love.

We are grateful for the ways that Irene touched our lives, both personally and professionally. Many of you met Irene early in your journey, perhaps still finding your footing. She became a mentor whose insights and encouragement endured. When Irene looked at someone, she truly sawthat person—their goodness, their gifts, their potential—even parts that person had not yet recognized in themselves. Through countless small moments of coaching, listening, and calm challenge, she awakened in people a deeper sense of purpose. And in the spaces that she created for groups—cohorts, gatherings, circles of learning—she fostered communities where people both supported and stretched one another.

We are grateful for Irene’s commitment to Friends Council on Education, which she guided for more than 20 years with clarity, intensity, and devotion. Her legacy includes visible milestones such as the founding of the Leadership Institute, as well as less visible relationships and mutual care that she cultivated
https://www.friendscouncil.org/resources/news-details/~board/migrated-news/post/irene-mchenry-radiant-light-quiet-strength-and-inspired-leadership