For 50 years, Stratford Friends School has provided a place where students are understood for who they are, encouraged to recognize their strengths and given the opportunity to thrive. This year, the Newtown Square school is celebrating that remarkable milestone by honoring its past while looking ahead to the next 50 years.
Stratford Friends School will host its 50th Anniversary Celebration, “Guided by Light, Grounded in Community,” on Friday, November 6, from 6:30 to 10pm at Spring Valley in Springfield. The adults-only event will bring together families, alumni, educators, former and current staff, supporters and friends for an evening of celebration and reflection.
Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner and cocktails, along with special guests who will help the Stratford community reflect on the school’s history and the many people who have helped shape its story. Entertainment by Schaffer Sound will keep the celebration going, with music and dancing throughout the evening. A photo booth and auction activities will also add to the festivities.
The celebration will recognize Stratford’s founders, Dorothy Flanagan and Sandy Howze, as well as Legacy Teachers and staff members whose dedication has made a lasting impact on generations of students and on the broader community. Sponsorship opportunities are available for those who would like to help honor these individuals and celebrate the school’s 50 years of excellence.
When Stratford Friends School opened in 1976, it served just four students. Today, nearly 80 students are part of a school community that continues to grow while remaining grounded in the same core philosophy that inspired its founders. Stratford has expanded its educational offerings, including its Upper School, while maintaining a supportive environment where students can build confidence, develop independence and discover their individual potential.
The anniversary celebration is more than a look back. It is also a fundraiser that supports Stratford’s mission and helps pave the way for the next 50 years. Local businesses, families, alumni and friends are encouraged to become sponsors, donate auction items or otherwise contribute to the event. Sponsorship information is available through the event website, and community members can also reach out directly to the school.
The silent auction offers another way for the community to participate. Anyone can register and place a bid, even if they cannot attend the celebration. Auction offerings may include experiences, gift baskets, sports memorabilia, spa packages, services, jewelry, vacation homes and professional sports tickets.
Tickets for adults age 21 and older and information about sponsorships, auction donations and other opportunities to support the celebration are available at SFS2026.givesmart.com. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Kimberly McDermott at KMcDermott@StratfordFriends.org.
Located at 2 Bishop Hollow Road in Newtown Square, Stratford Friends School remains deeply connected to the community it has served for half a century. As the school celebrates 50 years, “Guided by Light, Grounded in Community” captures both the spirit of its history and its vision for the future: honoring the people and purpose that brought Stratford this far while building a strong foundation for the generations still to come.