Delaware Valley Friends School Breaks Ground on Campus Expansion and Renovation
Paoli, PA, April 25, 2024 – Members of the Delaware Valley Friends School (DVFriends) community, along with neighbors, township and elected officials, and friends of the school, gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony for a campus expansion and renovation, the first phase of which is expected to be completed in fall of 2025.
The project will allow the school to serve more students with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges; to provide spaces on campus that enhance the student experience; and, through its investment in stormwater management, to make a significant commitment to environmental stewardship in the local community. DVFriends was awarded $2.5 million in Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funds towards the $14.4 million first phase, which will include sitework, extensive stormwater management systems, a new building addition with more classrooms and offices, a new accessible school entrance, an outdoor café courtyard, renovations to the current cafeteria, and a full-size kitchen.
“This expansion and renovation project means Delaware Valley Friends School students will soon have more opportunities to come together, share a meal, enjoy the outdoors, socialize, study, laugh, play, and learn,” said State Senator Carolyn Comitta, a member of the Senate Education Committee. “As a former teacher and a Quaker, I was proud to support funding for Delaware Valley Friends School, as it continues to fill a vital educational need for young people who learn differently in an inclusive educational community.”
State Representative Melissa Shusterman commented: “These improvements will help Delaware Valley Friends School meet the needs of a growing student body. As a person who could have benefited from a unique approach to learning, I know how important it is to have a school that addresses the needs of kids who learn differently. I’m happy I was able to assist in securing funding towards this project. Delaware Valley Friends School is truly a gem of our community.”
Head of School Kirk Smothers’ remarks centered on gratitude to the many individuals involved with the project, with special thanks to the school’s neighbors. Other speakers included Clerk of DVFriends Board Molly Watson and two DVFriends students, Elsa B. ‘26 and Evan S. ‘24.
For over 35 years, DVFriends has been a national leader educating bright students with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD and executive functioning challenges. The school community recognizes and honors the tremendous potential in our students and inherent worth of all people. DV students embrace the courage to try, establish the confidence to reach farther, and build resilience to succeed in college and beyond.
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