The timing of this gathering could not be more significant. Since 2002, 17 Quaker schools have closed, including three in just the past several months. These realities invite us to come together, not simply to reflect on the challenges before us, but to strengthen our collective commitment to ensuring a vibrant future for Quaker education.

Together, we will explore how we can more effectively articulate the distinctive value of a Friends education, increase awareness among prospective families, and work collaboratively to strengthen enrollment across our schools. Our hope is that this retreat serves as the beginning of an ongoing effort to elevate the visibility and impact of Quaker education. In doing so, we seek to create a rising tide that lifts all Friends schools.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Rodney Glasgow Jr., Associate Director of Friends Council on Education, as our keynote speaker. Rodney will share his perspective on the current state of Quaker schools, the opportunities and challenges facing our community, and how we can work together to shape a stronger future.

We are also pleased to welcome Jess Lord, Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at Haverford College, who will offer a higher education perspective on the evolving enrollment landscape. Drawing on his leadership at a Quaker college, Jess will share the trends, challenges, and shifts he is seeing in higher education and what they may signal for Friends schools in the years ahead. As trends in higher education often make their way to independent schools over time, his perspective will help us look beyond today’s enrollment realities and consider how we can begin preparing for what’s next.

The morning will also include:

• Meaningful networking with admission and financial aid colleagues from across our schools.
• Facilitated discussions on shared opportunities and challenges.
• Collaborative action planning designed to launch ongoing partnership and advocacy efforts.