Guided by our values at the Middle School Open House

The raindrops did not keep away the prospective Middle School families of Friends Academy’s second Open House of the Admissions season. Greeted with umbrellas and smiles from Middle School students, the families were guided into the Kumar Wang Library to be introduced to directors in the Arts, Athletics, and members of the Admissions team.

“Our Middle Schoolers have the unique benefit of being situated on a campus with Lower School and Upper School students,” began Taisha Thompson, Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid. “This allows them to be both role models to their younger peers and to be inspired by the older students.”

In his second year at Friends Academy and 28th year in private school education, Lower and Middle School Principal Rik Dugan shares the excitement of entering the 150th year of Friends Academy in the 2026-27 school year. “We will be celebrating our 150th year next year. We look back to 1876 and all that has happened since in the century and a half that our school has not only survived, but thrived.” As the incoming Head of School, Mr. Dugan noted that students and their families who join Friends Academy next year will begin their next chapter as he begins his.

The recurring message among all speakers was the importance of being guided by the values as a Quaker school. In the classrooms, fields, stage, each educator is called to instill the fundamentals of being a “good person and a great leader.”

Furthering this belief is Christine Botti, the Middle School Dean of Students, whose role is dedicated to Grades 5-8. “My favorite part of my job is seeing students' visions come to life,” Mrs. Botti noted. Her role also provides students with personalized attention. “Our students have so many opportunities to make school the way they want it to be – giving them a true sense of belonging.”

A common bridge between Arts and Athletics is that both programs encourage teamwork and collaboration. “For the Middle School play, we have an ensemble experience, everyone is a part of it and has something viable to do,” said Director of Arts Andrew Geha. “Middle School athletics is taking off, and it is an incredible time to be a part of it,” Director of Athletics and Physical Education Matt Johnsen remarked. “We have moved away from traditional P.E. classes [in Grades 5 and 6]. Students practice three times a week in a seasonal sport and play against local independent schools.”

Community is at the core of Friends Academy. Looking at the nearly 150-year history rooted in Quaker tradition, it can be seen in every facet of the school. “My teachers help me grow, and they make sure I fully understand the topic before we move on,” Tessa, in Grade 8, appreciates the community learning environment. “We meet the students as people. From there, that is where literacy takes off,” Adriana Bocchino Middle School English Convenor highlighted. “We learn from each other, not just from teachers. Students have shared experiences, perspectives, and have reshaped how we do a lesson.”

Although it is not only academic spaces where students find their niche and their community. Many of the students find solace in all-school gatherings. “New students can transition into this school very easily,” said Grade 7 student Teddy, who is in his second year at Friends Academy. “In Community Groups, we meet with other students in Kindergarten through Upper School and get to know each other through activities. It makes coming to school fun,” said Teddy. “I did the Middle School play, it was a great way to meet new people,” Grade 6 student Amir added. “I met people from Upper School, and I was able to learn from them. I will continue to do the plays because of this experience.”

“You may have passed the space where my husband asked me on our first date in 1991,” recalled Middle School Math Convenor, Friends Academy Alumna Class of 1993, and current parent. “What keeps me here is our commitment to the moral and character development of all our students. Developing the whole child. That is what sets us apart.”  

Photography by Alvin Caal/Friends Academy