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Q
I’d like to learn more about DVFS. How should I go about doing so?
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A
Please join us at an Open House. It’s an excellent way to see our school, meet some students and administrators, and ask all your questions.
Open Houses are held at least one Wednesday each month from 9 to 11 a.m., and on a couple of Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. You can find a list of Open House dates (Open House dates) and RSVP, (is this a separate page or is this the form?) right from our website.
If you can’t join us at an Open House we are always available to meet you at your convenience. Please contact Kathy Barry to schedule email Kathy Barry .
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Q
My parents and I are thinking about me applying to DV.
How can I get the sense of what’s it really like go to school there?
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A
Both students and their parents are welcome at our Open Houses. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our administrators and hear a panel discussion and Q and A led by a group of current upper school students. During the presentation you’ll see videos of past parents and our alums. The Open House concludes with tours of the entire school where you can see classes in session.
After your completed application is received and reviewed by the Applications Committee, you may be invited to visit DV. That’s when you’ll spend the entire day with a student in your grade and attend their classes and activities. You’ll be our guest for lunch, too.
DV students are a welcoming, outgoing, and kind community. If you have questions during any of your visits, you’ll always find someone willing to stop and talk to you.
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Q
What is the typical DV student like?
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A
Our population is made up of students with average to superior intellect, in grades 6 through 12, who have challenges with their learning styles. Most of our students have a language-based learning difference, such as dyslexia (struggles with reading), dysgraphia (writing challenges) or dyscalculia (math difficulties). In addition, many have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Executive Functioning Disorder.
Delaware Valley Friends does not have a full-time psychologist. We do not offer Speech/Language Therapy or Occupational Therapy. We do not offer behavioral, social, or emotional support or plans. We have a part-time school counselor on our staff.
You’ll find our students to be personable, accepting, and as corny as it sounds, happy to be at school most days. Many of our students will tell you the DVFS community is their second family.
DVFS students are athletes, artists, techies, musicians, entrepreneurs. They are involved in community service. Ultimately, our Quaker values encourage us to be ourselves. Our students will tell you they feel comfortable being whoever they are and also empowered to pursue whatever they may dream.
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Q
Where do DVFS students live?
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All over the Delaware Valley and beyond! We have students from across the Delaware Valley, as well as central Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In fact, we have had students and their families relocate from other states, even other countries, to attend DVFS. Despite our geographic diversity, we are a close-knit community. Students form friendships and spend time together both during school hours and by participating in our many extracurricular offerings, such as sports teams, clubs, and ABLE trips. The student Activities Committee also organizes school dances, movie nights, and other social events to further build the students’ sense of community.
We’ve had students from Delaware.
We’ve had families relocate to attend DV – locally and as far as California and Jordan!
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Q
How do they get to school?
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A
In Pennsylvania busing must be provided if your home school district is within ten miles of DV. These school districts may include: Coatesville, Downingtown, Great Valley, Haverford, Lower Merion, Marple-Newtown, Owen J. Roberts, Phoenixville, Spring-Ford, Radnor, Rose Tree-Media, Tredyffrin-Easttown, Upper Merion, Wallingford-Swarthmore, and West Chester. Additional school districts may provide busing upon request.
In addition, about 55% of our students take SEPTA, Amtrak or PATCO trains to school daily. The Paoli station is around the corner from the school – about a four-minute walk.
Some families from New Jersey and Bucks County have arranged for car services to drive the students.
Of course, as our students get older, many drive themselves or carpool every day.
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Q
Is financial aid available?
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A
Delaware Valley Friends School provides financial aid grants on the basis of need. Approximately 25% of enrolled students receive financial aid from Delaware Valley Friends School. Application for financial aid is managed through SSS by NAIS and may be made online at www.nais.org. There is a limited amount of funds available; an early application has a clear advantage. Families who intend to apply for financial aid are encouraged to do so at the same time that they make application for admission to the school.
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Q
What is a Friends school?
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A
Quaker beliefs and values shape the fabric of daily life at DVFS. A fundamental optimism and caring respect underlie all interpersonal interactions. Integrity and self-discipline emerge through high expectations, firm guidance, and participatory leadership. We believe that each student comes to us with unique strengths and personal gifts. DVFS staff members are here to help students discover their gifts and fashion the conduct and character of their lives from the substance of those gifts.
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Q
Do you have a summer school?
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A
Delaware Valley Friends offer a five-week summer academic program for students entering 6th through 12th grades. It includes one-on-one reading and writing instruction with a trained tutor using Orton-Gillingham based instruction, math enrichment, a supervised homework lab where students can get their work done with teacher support during the school day, and an art course led by our staff of professional artists where students can relax, have fun, and explore their creative sides. (Summer School/Program)
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Q
What is the applications timeline?
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Application should be made by the early spring prior to the start of the next school year. Timely application ensures the highest likelihood that we will be able to accept your child, if his/her educational profile matches our program. Delaware Valley Friends School does have a rolling admissions policy and will accept applications for the current school year until January of the same year for mid-year enrollment. Late application or applications for mid-year enrollment have a higher risk that we will not be able to accommodate an appropriate candidate.