Friends Invests In New Equity and Affordability Initiatives

Friends Seminary has undertaken new initiatives this academic year in ongoing efforts to address issues of affordability for all families, especially those who do not receive financial aid, but for whom sending a child (or children) to Friends is a very real challenge. Starting this year, all Upper School academic materials will be purchased by the School. At the end of the year textbooks and calculators will be collected and reused, while students will be able to keep their paperbacks and workbooks. Will Hopkins, Associate Head of School for Teaching and Learning, comments, “Depending on a student’s schedule, this is a savings of $150-$1,000 for families each year.”

 

In the effort to support the growing number of Brooklyn families, the School has also initiated a two-year pilot program for two morning bus routes in Brooklyn. There is a charge for the bus, but it is underwritten for all riders by the School, and further, those receiving tuition aid are eligible for a corresponding percentage reduction toward the cost. Sam Margles, the newly appointed Director of Financial Aid and Affordability and Assistance, comments, “The launch has been successful, and we’re excited that it will allow families in Brooklyn greater convenience and access to Friends.”

 

Those traveling by bus arrive by 8 AM, which is an early start for Lower School students, whose day begins at 8:25 AM. This prompted the School to make “Early Bird”, the early morning drop-off program for Lower School students, free. The uptake in the first few weeks has been strong. The Director of Extended Programs, Laura McGinley explains, “We’ve seen a noticeable increase in the number of students compared to last year. Kids love it. Playing Four Square in the Inner Courtyard is super popular while other students may read, see their friends or eat breakfast in the cafeteria.”