Our Mission

Guided by Quaker values, New Garden Friends School is committed to being an inclusive educational community that honors and develops each person's gifts.

School History

New Garden Friends School was founded in 1971 by Jim Newlin and Bruce Stewart with a shared vision: to create a Quaker school in Greensboro where children of diverse backgrounds could learn together in a safe, nurturing environment rooted in respect, reflection, and the belief that there is “that of God” in every person. With the support of community partners, NGFS opened its doors with 60 students and a commitment to using education as a force for inclusion and understanding.

From its earliest days, the school remained grounded in mission while growing across several temporary locations before establishing a permanent home in 1993. Over time, NGFS expanded to include A Child’s Garden preschool and later launched a full Preschool–12th grade program with the opening of the Upper School in 2005.

Leadership transitions over the years have carried this mission forward, guided by a shared commitment to Quaker values and educational excellence. In 2016, Kim Freedman became Head of School, leading NGFS through a period of growth and the challenges of the pandemic. In 2025, the Board appointed Craig Sellers as Interim Head of School to support a thoughtful transition.

Following a national search, the Board of Trustees announced in 2025 the appointment of Michelle Klosterman as the next Head of School, beginning July 1, 2026. Her selection reflects the community’s confidence in her ability to lead NGFS into its next chapter with clarity, compassion, and vision.

For more than fifty years, New Garden Friends School has remained grounded in its founding purpose: to be an inclusive Quaker community that honors and develops each person’s gifts.