Abington Friends School
Campus Plan
Founded in 1697, Abington Friends School (AFS) is the oldest independent Quaker school in the nation. In 2023, the school completed a Strategic Plan to guide its next century of Quaker education. To support this vision, CICADA Architecture/Planning developed a comprehensive campus master plan to align the physical environment with AFS’s educational goals. The plan explores options to meet evolving community needs while honoring the tradition of housing all grade levels in a single building. It includes a phasing plan to structure the evolution of the campus over the next ten to fifteen years.
In collaboration with Viridian Landscape Studio, the planning process included meetings with campus leaders and stakeholders—including faculty, staff and students—to discuss their needs and goals.
Focus areas for future improvement coalesced around campus arrival and wayfinding, dedicated space for Middle School grades, expansion of the dining hall, the creation of a new faculty and staff development center, and enhanced support for arts programming and outdoor learning—key pillars of the school’s identity. Through this comprehensive campus master plan, CICADA helped Abington Friends School (AFS) align its facilities with long-term goals for transformative Quaker education. The plan reflects CICADA’s deep experience with independent school planning, educational architecture, and the integration of sustainable campus design strategies. With a focus on flexibility, community, and culture, the plan positions AFS to move forward with confidence—equipped with clear priorities and a roadmap for phased development.
