A New Declaration of Independence Independence is the source of our nation’s wealth. It is the font of innovation. A sense of independence defines our path and is a critical determinant of our future. Independent thought implies a willingness to push the barriers of established modes — to possess the foresight and confidence to go against the norm — to arrive at a better place for all. At no other time in our history has our country and world more needed independent thinking and the leadership it implies. The complexities of today’s society demand that we find wholly new models of engagement, identify new ways to create value, and encourage the studied capacity to clearly separate what is essential from what is simply noise in the system — to understand what is right, what is fair, and what constitutes a meaningful step forward. Paradoxically, for independent thought to yield societal value, it requires dependence on others. It starts with tapping into history and the lessons learned. It necessitates embracing the myriad of empirical truths established by the independent thinkers before us. It demands an understanding of how the world works, who people are, and what we both need and seek. It requires an intentional melding of the past and present to envision a more profound future. Most importantly, independent thinking requires a certain spirit — a confidence and conviction that age-old problems are solvable and that, regardless of the storm clouds on the horizon, there is a way. For more than 160 years Friends’ Central School has embraced our responsibility to give our students and graduates that spirit, and with it the intellectual fortitude and foundation to make a significant impact on the lives of those around them. Our Quaker principles, coupled with an unwavering focus on academic excellence, ensure that our students declare their intellectual independence as they prepare to lead, guide, and serve the world ahead.
Friends’ Central School is a co-educational, college preparatory day school for nursery school through grade 12, located on two campuses in Wynnewood PA.
www.friendscentral.org