Friends recently welcomed five intrepid exchange students from Colegio Sant Ignasi in Barcelona, Spain—marking the third year of this global connection between the two schools. During their three-week stay, 10th graders Beth, Lucía, Pau, Cloe, and Rita immersed themselves in the life of Friends: attending classes, engaging in school activities, and sharing meals and traditions with their Friends host families. Throughout their visit, the students experienced the vibrancy of N

This fall, the Class of 2029 traveled to Club Getaway in Kent, CT, for the Ninth Grade Retreat, a long-standing Friends tradition that helps students begin Upper School grounded in connection and care. Over two days, ninth graders were immersed in activities and games that strengthened teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and positive group dynamics. Students returned to 16th Street having laid the groundwork for a strong, connected, and supportive class identity—one tha

Conversations about equity, access, and community have long been central to a Friends education. This fall, that work continued as Upper School students, guided by the Diversity, Equity and Belonging Committee and the Socioeconomic Diversity Club, devoted a full week to exploring socioeconomic identity and financial aid with curiosity and care. Through advisory discussions, Meeting for Worship, and a student-led conversation with Director of Financial Aid Sam Margles, student

Please join us for the 2025–2026 Art of Teaching Lecture, featuring Dr. Brian Levels, Middle and Upper School Performing Arts Teacher and recipient of this year’s Teri Hassid Art of Teaching Award.   Dr. Levels’ dynamic teaching brings a powerful blend of passion, professionalism, and purpose to the music program at Friends. In his talk, he will explore how music education extends far beyond the curriculum—cultivating belonging, inspiring creativity, and nurturing a lifelong

As a member of the Friends community, you are cordially invited to experience the magic of the Paul Taylor Dance Company on Thursday, November 13, at 7:00 PM  at Lincoln Center. There will be an exclusive Friends reception on the Promenade from 6 PM. Click here  to reserve your place. Seating is limited and reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.  The School is grateful to the Polaris Project Manager Elisabeth Robert '91, at the Paul Taylor Dance Compa

Dear Friends, As you will read in this first issue of the new school year, autumn is off to a great start on 16th Street. In this issue, you will read about topics ranging from a new Grade 9 course requirement on Quaker values and practices to the launch of more than 40 clubs in Upper School. The newly appointed Interim Head of School, Rich Nourie, has been given a warm welcome. Rich brings the wisdom of more than 40 years of Quaker educational experience and deep expertise i

Richard Leete Eldridge | June 8, 1940 – October 3, 2025 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Leete Eldridge on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the age of eighty-five. Rich is survived by his wife of twenty-six years Rosaria (Roe) Golden, stepdaughters Ria and Nora, daughter Susan (Seward) and son David (Lisa), former spouse Lucy, five grandchildren (Ruthanne, Lucy, Ember, Bee and Jamie), sister Muriel, niece Kerry and nephew Ross, as well as a great

Front row: Adam Owett, Nancy Hessol, Harrison Weisner, Francesca Bruno, Gilbert Fleitas,  Back row: Delice Boltin, Jean Scheinert, Julie Fenster, Sara Johns Griffen Friends Seminary is deeply grateful to the Class of 1975 for their gifts and pledges made to the endowment in 2024-25 in honor of their 50th Reunion Celebration. More than $214,000 has been committed or received, with more than half designated to the   Class of 1975 Fund for Financial Aid . The idea to make a clas

The end of 2025 may offer a unique opportunity to maximize the tax efficiency of your charitable giving before new, less favorable rules take effect in 2026. The recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act  (OBBBA), signed in July 2025, has made several significant changes to charitable deduction rules that will go into effect on January 1, 2026. For many, particularly those who itemize, it may be advantageous to make charitable gifts by December 30, 2025. Given the complexities of tax

On Saturday, September 6, Grade 9 students and their families took the ferry to Governor’s Island for a day of service. Now in its 14th year, this milestone Friends event, Making a Difference from Day One, is an opportunity for Grade 9 students and families to get to know one another, to roll up their sleeves, and to put the Friends mission of service and community into action. Partnering with Earth Matter, a non-profit dedicated to reducing organic waste through composting,

Short December days are an ideal time of year to experience Leading , the James Turrell Skyspace at Friends. We are delighted to offer a sunset experience on Thursday, December 18,  from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. Click here  to reserve your place or contact Rebecca Holmes . Seating is limited and reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

A poem by alumna, An Experience  by Ruth Burlington Georgiou '39