Since its establishment in 1845 by the Religious Society of Friends, Friends' Central School, a coeducational, college preparatory day school for nursery through grade 12, has been guided by Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality.
Underlying all facets of school life is the belief that "there is that of God in everyone." Meeting for Worship is central, providing time for connections among members of the community and between individuals and their spiritual sources.
Peaceful resolution of conflicts, seeking truth, and collaborative process are key aspects of a Friends' Central education.
Friends' Central offers rigorous and varied educational experiences in academics, arts, and athletics, helping each student to realize his or her true potential and achieve at the highest level possible.
We encourage trial and error, critical thinking and questioning, and intellectual courage in all areas of our curriculum.
We strive to balance competence in using sophisticated technology with the richness of a humanistic education.
Students' individual interests are encouraged and supported while essential skills are carefully honed.
We intentionally seek a wide spectrum of diversity in our school community.
We respect unreservedly that diversity and strive to enhance and support it.
Diversity influences how we teach, learn, and communicate. It enriches the community and furthers understanding that each human life is intrinsically valuable and interrelated, one with another.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked PA School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
- Enrollment: 264 students
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- Average class size: 13 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Friends' Central Lower School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-5
Year Founded
1845
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Campus Size
46
Student Body
Total Students
264 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
18%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
48 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
13 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Randy Roach
Admissions Associate
Cynthia Harris
School Notes
- Since its establishment in 1845 by the Religious Society of Friends, Friends' Central School, a coeducational, college preparatory day school for nursery through grade 12, has been guided by Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality. Underlying all facets of school life is the belief that "there is that of God in everyone." Meeting for Worship is central, providing time for connections among members of the community and between individuals and their spiritual sources. Peaceful resolution of conflicts, seeking truth, and collaborative process are key aspects of a Friends' Central education. Friends' Central offers rigorous and varied educational experiences in academics, arts, and athletics, helping each student to realize his or her true potential and achieve at the highest level possible. We encourage trial and error, critical thinking and questioning, and intellectual courage in all areas of our curriculum. We strive to balance competence in using sophisticated technology with the richness of a humanistic education. Students' individual interests are encouraged and supported while essential skills are carefully honed. We intentionally seek a wide spectrum of diversity in our school community. We respect unreservedly that diversity and strive to enhance and support it. Diversity influences how we teach, learn, and communicate. It enriches the community and furthers understanding that each human life is intrinsically valuable and interrelated, one with another.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Daniel Immerwahr - Author and professor at Northwestern University - 1998 -
- Michele Zuckman - Music teacher and advocate for creativity in education - 2000 -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Friends' Central Lower School?
The acceptance rate of Friends' Central Lower School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 81%. Friends' Central Lower School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Pennsylvania with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Friends' Central Lower School?
Friends' Central Lower School famous alumni include: Daniel Immerwahr - Author and professor at Northwestern University - 1998 and Michele Zuckman - Music teacher and advocate for creativity in education - 2000.
What is Friends' Central Lower School's ranking?
Friends' Central Lower School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Friends' Central Lower School?
The application deadline for Friends' Central Lower School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
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People that viewed Friends' Central Lower School also viewed these schools: The Gladwyne Montessori School, The Haverford School, Friends School Haverford, Abington Friends School and Centre Square Academy.
The nearest high school to Friends' Central Lower School is Fusion Academy Ardmore (1.3 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is St. Margaret School (1.0 miles away)
The nearest preschool is The Gateway School (0.3 miles away)
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