Delaware Valley Friends School

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Delaware Valley Friends School Photo #1 - Delaware Valley Friends School is a national leader in the field of educating students (grades 1-12) with dyslexia, dysgraphia, executive function disorders, ADHD, and other learning differences located in the Philadelphia area.
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Delaware Valley Friends School Photo #1 - Delaware Valley Friends School is a national leader in the field of educating students (grades 1-12) with dyslexia, dysgraphia, executive function disorders, ADHD, and other learning differences located in the Philadelphia area.
Delaware Valley Friends School Photo #2 - The ABLE (Adventure-Based Learning Experiences) program is a hands-on, outdoor experiential education program where students learn important life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and decision making.
Delaware Valley Friends School Photo #3 - DVFS is an Apple Distinguished School - recognized for innovation in using technology to transform education. Teachers use classroom-based technologies in addition to the individual student laptops personalized to each student's assistive technology needs.
Delaware Valley Friends School Photo #4 - Middle School students (grades 5 - 8) enjoy class sizes between 4 and 8 students within a skill-based curriculum designed for young students who learn differently.
Delaware Valley Friends School Photo #5 - In keeping with Quaker beliefs and values, the School fosters a desire to learn, a spirit of creativity, a strong sense of self-worth, and respect for the worth of others. At DVFriends, the SPICES (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality and Service) are lived and cultivated in all aspects of community life.
Delaware Valley Friends School Photo #6 - Upper school chem classes made "elephant toothpaste", an experiment involving a rapid and expansive chemical reaction.
Delaware Valley Friends School Photo #7 - As part of a basic machines unit in the Middle School Makerspace class, students followed step-by-step instructions to put together their BrushBots with a scrub brush, cork, AA batteries, a small motor, duct tape, rubber bands, and other decorative materials.
Delaware Valley Friends School Photo #8 - Middle School math students built a tetrahedron using rectangular pieces of paper, straws and tape to enhance their study of angles.
Delaware Valley Friends School Photo #9 - Our college placement track record is second to none with an average of 98% of DVFriends graduates matriculating in a college or university or challenging post-secondary arts program upon graduation.
Delaware Valley Friends School Photo #10 - Our Culinary Arts program is a favorite elective with upper school students and part of our middle school arts rotation - each year some of our graduating seniors go on to top art or culinary schools.
DVFriends is one of the nation`s best schools for bright students who learn differently. The school welcomes students in grades 1 to 12 with learning differences, particularly in reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), math (dyscalculia), memory (long-term and working), processing speed, ADHD and executive functioning challenges.
Their purposeful Quaker culture recognizes and honors the inherent worth of all students while nurturing a community that is diverse and inclusive in every way. This philosophy underlies all they do to help students discover and optimize their strengths and celebrate their differences.
DVFriends is the first school program in PA, DE and NJ accredited by both IMSLEC and IDA - the leaders in multisensory instruction. It offers a full array of arts, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities and an outstanding adventure learning program for a well-rounded educational experience.
They have an exceptional track record of preparing students to succeed in college and beyond. A high percentage (98%) of DVFriends graduates apply and choose to attend a broad range of higher education programs, including 4-year colleges and universities, top art and culinary schools, community colleges, and technical institutes.
Their research-based, multi-sensory teaching techniques empower students to develop effective tools for their unique learning styles. Applying innovation and deep expertise, DVFriends teachers guide students to embrace the courage to try, establish the confidence to reach farther, and build resilience to succeed in school and beyond.
Located in Paoli, PA, within walking distance of the SEPTA and AMTRAK lines, the school serves students from across the extended Delaware Valley region, including New Jersey and Delaware and sometimes beyond.

Quick Stats (2024)

Top Rankings

Delaware Valley Friends School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 1-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Learning Differences, Dyslexia, Executive Functioning, ADHD, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, working memory, and processing speed
Year Founded
1986
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
207 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
10%
State avg.: 26%
Students by Grade
Delaware Valley Friends School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
8 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Adopted policy in Meeting for Business by students, staff and faculty.

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies by division. It is all-inclusive. It includes all courses and fees, use of a Mac laptop for the school year, and course materials. Financial aid is available.
Summer Program Cost
$1,950
Summer Program Cost Notes
Price varies by program. See website for more information.
% on Financial Aid
38%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$22,400
Admissions Director
Jim Miller
Admissions Associate
Kavitha Patel

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
21 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Diversity Committee, Literary Magazine, S.A.F.E. (Students And Faculty for Equality), Service Committee, Student Government, Yearbook

Club or Organization:
Activities Committee, Aquaponics Club, Black Student Union, Chess Club, Feminist Committee, Gaming Club, Jazz Band, LatinX, SeaPerch Underwater Robotics Team, Tea Club, Yoga Club

Arts and Music Programs:
DV Drummers, DV Rock Band, DV Singers, Musical Productions

School Notes

  • DVFriends is one of the nation`s best schools for bright students who learn differently. The school welcomes students in grades 1 to 12 with learning differences, particularly in reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), math (dyscalculia), memory (long-term and working), processing speed, ADHD and executive functioning challenges.
  • Their purposeful Quaker culture recognizes and honors the inherent worth of all students while nurturing a community that is diverse and inclusive in every way. This philosophy underlies all they do to help students discover and optimize their strengths and celebrate their differences.
  • DVFriends is the first school program in PA, DE, and NJ accredited by both IMSLEC and IDA - the leaders in multisensory instruction. It offers a full array of arts, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities and an outstanding adventure learning program for a well-rounded educational experience.
  • They have an exceptional track record of preparing students to succeed in college and beyond. A high percentage (98%) of DVFriends graduates apply and choose to attend a broad range of higher education programs, including 4-year colleges and universities, top art and culinary schools, community colleges, and technical institutes.
  • The faculty develops authentic partnerships with students and their families to build trust that fosters accountability and yields achievement. Their research-based, multi-sensory teaching techniques empower students to develop effective tools for their unique learning styles. Applying innovation and deep expertise, DVFriends teachers guide students to embrace the courage to try, establish the confidence to reach farther, and build resilience to succeed in school and beyond.
  • Located in Paoli, PA, within walking distance of the SEPTA and AMTRAK lines, the school serves students from across the extended Delaware Valley region, including New Jersey and Delaware and sometimes beyond.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Delaware Valley Friends School cost?
Delaware Valley Friends School's tuition is approximately $39,480 for private students and $1,950 for summer students.
Does Delaware Valley Friends School offer a summer program?
Yes, Delaware Valley Friends School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Delaware Valley Friends School offer?
Delaware Valley Friends School offers 8 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
What is Delaware Valley Friends School's ranking?
Delaware Valley Friends School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Delaware Valley Friends School?
The application deadline for Delaware Valley Friends School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (10 reviews)
5  
DVFS is an amazing school for children with language based learning differences. Our son was struggling with reading and math at his previous school, and the gap between his level and actual grade level was at a 2-2 1/2 year deficit and growing despite their special education efforts. His frustration level was skyrocketing, and his self esteem was plummeting. Since starting at DVFS his confidence has grown, and he has told us how happy he is to be going to school there. This school teaches children with language based learning differences, and this all they do, so they are effective and successful at it, and have a proven track record. But they also teach Quaker values and genuinely care about their students. They seek out parents' input and are a supportive, inclusive community. We love this school!
- Posted by
5  
Delaware Valley Friends School is a gem of a school. The teachers and administrators are committed to each and every child as a whole and unique individual. Our son is in High School at DV and is fulfilling his academic potential and growing as a person with each year that he is at DV. The DV teachers are wonderful. They are readily available to students outside of class time and also communicate well with parents. Students are active participants in their own educations. They are taught how to work with their learning differences and be self-advocates for what they need to learn. DV is a true community where our son is growing, thriving and being well prepared for college and adult responsibilities. He has also made Friends some of whom are likely to be his friend. for life. We are incredibly fortunate to be able to send our son to DV.
- Posted by
5  
My twin daughters are both dyslexic and were suffering in our local public school. They did not feel like they could fit in and they could not learn to read even with IEPs for many years. In just a few weeks at DVFS I could see a difference in both of them. They realized that they could learn and that school could be fun. The teachers are extremely creative and caring. DVFS has been a blessing to our family.
- Posted by
5  
My daughter entered DVFS in 8th grade. When she entered DVFS she was reading at a 5th grade level. She had not passed a test or a quiz at her public school in over a year. Her public school made her feel stupid and ashamed that she had a learning disability. She had given up, she was worn down and her spirit was broken. DVFS turned everything around for my daughter. We watched them wake her back up. She began to learn and then love to learn. We watched her grades climb, and they got better every year. DVFS also rebuilt her self esteem, taught her to embrace her learning disability, taught her how to advocate for what she needs to succeed, encouraged her to get involved, and rejoiced with her every time she broke thru another hurdle. She is now a senior and will be graduating this year. She is reading above a 12th grade level. Her report card is As and Bs. She will be entering college in the fall. She is an intelligent, confident young woman that is ready to take the next step. We will always be grateful for what DVFS did for our daughter and the words thank you are not enough.
- Posted by
5  
Public school was not good for my son. The special education program was not helpful. I did not see much growth and he wasn't working to his fullest potential. Once I sent him to DVFS he changed socially and academically. He is now an honor roll student. The teachers are very helpful and kind. The teachers provide additional help to students outside of their regular class times. The students are respectful. My son loves going to school and talking about the things he's learning about. DVFS is a great school and I would recommend it to any parent that has a child with learning difficulties.
- Posted by
5  
Delaware Valley Friends School is a fantastic place for students with learning differences to excel. My daughter has been there for 3 years and has become a confident, self-advocate with a clear understanding of her learning needs. She has had opportunities for service, leadership and growth that simply would not have been available to her at any other school. Her teachers have been incredibly supportive and have given her the skills she will need moving forward into college and beyond. I highly recommend DVFS and wold encourage anyone who is considering it for their student to attend an open house to learn more about this lifenchanging school.
- Posted by
5  
Public school was toxic for my daughter to the point that I did not even know who she was anymore. I thought I had lost my sweet girl, until I placed her at DVF. After a few months she became a kind, morally focused, and respectful individual who has aspirations for her future. Thank you for giving me my daughter back.
- Posted by
5  
When I was in elementary public school. I never understood why I couldn't do well in certain classes. Then I found out I was dyslexic. I never cared too much about school from then on. Until I went to DVFS. I then was never embarrassed about my "disability " they presented it as a difference which I first thaught was a sugar coded way of saying learning disability but I was wrong. Nothing prevented me from being able to learn I just needed to learn how I learn. I spent 4 years of high school learning how I learn best and with that way how should I best study. This gave me so much encouragement. I am now an alumni of not only DVFS but also Cornell University.
- Posted by
5  
DVFS provided a quality education that helped our daughter achieve confidence, executive functioning skills, great study habits, and a heart for service. The teachers and staff treat the students with respect and challenge them beyond their "labels". They always communicated with the child but equally with the parent. Their communication was and is impeccable. We are grateful parents and she is a grateful young woman with a bright future starting college this year.
- Posted by
5  
Delaware Valley Friends School not only changes the lives of their students; it changes, positively, the lives of the entire family. The faculty makes the dreams of each student a reality and helps them achieve all they deserve to be. DVFS has saved our daughter and provided her the future she hoped for.
- Posted by

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Chester County, PA is $22,168 for elementary schools and $30,071 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Chester County, PA is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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