News

How to Heal Cancer

In Breakthrough, William Pao ’86 shines a light on unsung medical heros.

Cultivating Passion

On Founder’s Day, students celebrate and sing—and hear alumni talk about how to let their lives speak.

Fair Trade

In her 2025 Zeidman Memorial Lecture, Katherine Tai ’92 explored the challenges of the US-China economic relationship.

Announcing Our New Middle School Principal

An experienced educator who is deeply respected by peers and students alike, Allen W. Vandegrift will join us from the Montgomery School in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, where he currently serves as head of the middle school.

In Memoriam: Bruce Stewart

Bruce B. Stewart, Sidwell Friends School’s eighth head of school, died on January 26, 2025. He was 85 years old. Head of School Bryan Garman sent this tribute to the community on January 27.

Happy Holidays to All

At this time of year, everyone at Sidwell Friends is brimming with light and joy—grateful for all the small acts of kindness that reverberate across the School and knit us into such a special community.

Triumphant Light

The all-School Diwali celebration featured traditional foods, dances, and diyas.

Sidwell Pianists Tour Europe

Three gifted students from the Middle and Upper Schools won a 2024 competition to perform internationally.

The School’s Guest Artist Inspires

María Magdalena Campos-Pons delivered a 2024 Rubenstein Guest Artist Lecture that emphasized connections among humanity, the planet, and the divine.

Doing Well

The Upper School’s Mental Wellness Day offered students an opportunity for self-care.

Welcome Aaron Hwang

Sidwell’s inaugural faculty chair in Asian American Studies takes his seat.

Homecoming Breaks Ground

Revelry, games, great food, and friends were all on hand this weekend—so was the start of the new Upper School’s construction.

The Authentic Leader

Executive coaches Tracy Pruzan-Roy ’92 and David Polmer ’94 redefine leadership for a new generation.

The Pulse of Latin America

A traveling exhibition that fits into a suitcase and some percussive pandemonium arrive in time for Latinx-Hispanic Heritage Month.

Education in an Election Year

A symposium at Sidwell Friends convened heads of schools from around the country to discuss the importance of civil discourse in uncivil times.

Celebrating Mamadou Guèye

Guèye told the more than 300 attendees that though his normal motto was “gratitude, generosity, and goodwill; tonight, it is gratitude, gratitude, and gratitude.”

2024 Commencement Speaker: Kelsey Wirth ’87

Kelsey Wirth ’87 will be this year’s Commencement speaker. A remarkable and successful entrepreneur who helped to improve the lives of tens of millions, Kelsey later turned her attention and boundless energy to create a grassroots movement to address climate change.

How to End Internet Addiction

Anthony Silard ’85 explains why the internet foments loneliness and anxiety—and what we can do to stop it.

Sidwell Friends on the Hill

Student advocates learn the ins and outs of lobbying Congress. Now they’re ready to make an impact.

Planning the Best City

When it comes to economic development, Bo Kemp ’87 understands the value of efficacy.

China’s Past Is Not a Secret

Journalist Ian Johnson explored the tension between China’s history and its present in his Zeidman Memorial Lecture.

Enter the Dragon!

This Lunar New Year—the year of the dragon—launched with a Lower School assembly filled with red ribbons, music, poetry, and dance.

Archive

The New Math

Layla Dawit ’22 wins an award and reflects the changing faces in STEM.

Face Time

Photography students launch an Inside Out art installation at Sidwell Friends.

Fields of Gold

The Lower School’s new sunflower project supports Ukrainian refugees.

Sidwell Social