Dear FSW Families,

As we approach the quarter point of the 21st century next month, I’ve been reflecting on how much has changed since the year 2000. Many of us remember the excitement and uncertainty of the new millennium, and it’s remarkable to see how the world has evolved. We’ve become more security-conscious as a society and face significantly greater financial pressures.

In light of these changes, I am deeply grateful to the families of Friends School of Wilmington for your steadfast support. I recognize the many demands on your financial resources and truly appreciate your decision to prioritize a Friends School education for your children. Your commitment means so much to our school community. This year has brought continued challenges, including higher-than-normal inflation that impacts families and institutions alike. At FSW, we’ve worked hard to navigate these pressures—rising costs for classroom materials, insurance premiums, and utilities—while keeping our focus on what matters most: supporting students and educators in the classroom. 

Campus and Facilities Updates

The creation of the tutoring facility in the Garden House and the restructuring of administration for Preschool and K-5 have been key steps toward strengthening these programs and ensuring long-term stability. Our Middle School program, now enrolled at full capacity, is a testament to the strength and appeal of our educational model. As such, Upper Campus remains a priority for improvement. Although necessary infrastructure repairs are currently unbudgeted, the addition of the new basketball court has already made a positive impact, becoming a favorite space for recess and PE classes.

Operating Expenses and Resource Management

The reenrollment process for the 2025-26 academic year will follow a similar format to last year, with one important change: we are streamlining the financial assistance process. This year, reenrollment agreements will include the tuition rate your family will pay after completing the financial aid application and evaluation. (Please note that the NC Opportunity Scholarship program operates independently of this process and is not factored into our evaluation.)

To ensure we are using our financial resources efficiently, the Board of Trustees’ Finance Committee meets monthly with Marla Schoolmeester, our Business Manager. The chart below provides a general breakdown of both our revenue streams and our operating expenses. It’s worth noting that over three-quarters of our total budget supports salaries and benefits, yet our faculty and staff are compensated at rates below those in public schools or similar industries. This speaks to their extraordinary dedication to FSW’s mission and their genuine love for your children.

While contributions to our Annual Fund have increased this year, they remain 25-30% below pre-COVID levels. On a brighter note, our Summer Camp program saw significant growth last year, and we are excited to expand this important source of income moving forward.

2025-2026 Tuition Rates

I understand that any tuition adjustment can feel daunting. Please know that the decision to raise tuition was made thoughtfully and with great care. For the 2025-2026 school year, tuition rates will increase by an average of 2.86%. We’ve slightly reduced Preschool tuition to better align with Wilmington-area programs, while the rising costs of our Middle School program have led to a slightly higher increase for that Division. (A special note for our Stargazer cohort: Students will enroll for either the Morning Program or Extended Program, meaning there is no supplemental Extended Day registration process).   

Our commitment to providing an exceptional education remains unwavering, and we are dedicated to minimizing the impact of these changes on our families. Reenrollment agreements will be available the week of January 13th, and are due by Friday, February 5th.

2025-2026 Parent Calendar

I am also pleased to share the academic and parent calendar for the upcoming school year. It includes holidays, breaks, faculty/staff workdays, and trimester points. Families have welcomed the full Thanksgiving week break, which gives teachers time to complete report narratives and provides more flexibility for family travel. Next year’s earlier Easter holiday also allows us to maintain our programming later in the spring, including Middle School trips and Grandfriends Day, which will take place on the Thursday before Easter.

In Closing

As we prepare for the 2025-2026 reenrollment process, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. I know that choosing FSW represents a significant financial commitment, and your trust in us is deeply appreciated. It is exciting to see our community continue to grow, and I am tremendously optimistic about the future of Friends School of Wilmington. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season.

In Peace,

Tony McCudden
Head of School