Wilmington Friends School Completes Lower School Remodeling

Monarch caterpillars turning to butterflies during recess mark the recently completed lower school renovations at Wilmington Friends School in Delaware, where a 50-plus-year-old building underwent a full-scale remodeling.

The construction began in June of 2025, and doors opened to the updated school by February of this year, followed by the completion of outdoor play spaces in May.

The project updated the preschool through fifth grade facilities with a new HVAC system, brighter and more natural lighting, new furniture, and sound-proofing tiles. Pastel-colored classrooms, flexible learning spaces, and intentional design were added to support creativity, collaboration, and belonging.

The building lobby was transformed from a small, low-ceilinged space into a two-story gathering area featuring natural light, display cases for student art, and a donor wall showcasing a sculpted panda beneath shiny metallic leaves. The remodeled library now features a cozy reading nook, and hallways are fitted with high windows.

Outside, the renovated lower school playgrounds incorporate native plant life allowing children to observe caterpillars during recess. Head of Lower School Chris Loeffler said, “We wanted to provide opportunities for students to have different experiences while maintaining a connection with nature.”

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The playscape design also aims to encourage full-body movement and healthy risk-taking while challenging students mentally and physically.

“Students have to problem-solve, sometimes independently and often collaboratively, to reach their goals and practice persistence,” said Loeffler.

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Educational activities at the school incorporate Quaker practices known through the acronym “SPICES” for simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. Grade-level examples include third-graders studying composting, recycling, and the national park system for stewardship; kindergarteners conducting a peace march for Martin Luther King Jr. Day; and fourth-graders holding TED talks.

“What makes us really unique is that we focus on student voice, and we give them the opportunities to step up to the occasion,” said Susan Finizio, Director of Advancement Strategy and Communications. “We want them to be able to realize their fullest potential.”

Describing the interior atmosphere following the overhaul, Finizio said, “It’s very bright and happy inside.”