History of Tandem Friends School
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Tandem School was founded in 1970 by John Howard and
Duncan Alling, two men with wide experience as teachers
and administrators in large, independent boarding schools.
Both were familiar with the Charlottesville area, and
felt there was a need for a school in the community
which would present an alternative approach to education.
Their philosophy was, in part, based on the conviction
that the
processes of maturation and academic development
need an environment in which there is a close and trusting
relationship between faculty and the students, a free
examination of values and ideas, and an approach to
decision-making which involves the whole school community.
The founders also envisioned a school dedicated to an
economically and racially diverse student body, and
a curriculum embracing the arts, environmental stewardship
and community service, in addition to academic rigor.
A Board of Trustees was asked to serve, and the school
was chartered as a non-profit corporation before its
opening in September, 1970.
Initially, the school was located in a two-story brick
house on the banks of the Rivanna River. In 1972, the
school moved to "Hillcrest," a large home
dating from the mid-19th century, located on 23 acres
of land. This site provided adequate classroom, laboratory,
and athletic space for approximately 85 students in
grades 9-12.
In 1983, Tandem opened a Middle School serving grades
5-8, and was accredited by the Virginia Association
of Independent Schools. From 1982 to 1995, the school's
enrollment grew from approximately 90 to 130 students,
and new programs were added in community service, physical
education, music, and drama.
In 1995, Tandem School formally adopted the philosophy
and practices of Quaker education, renamed itself Tandem
Friends School, and became a member of the Friends Council
on Education. An ambitious physical plant expansion
was also undertaken, which resulted in three new buildings:
the Community Hall, Field House, and Math/Science Building.
From 1995 to 2004, enrollment at Tandem Friends School
has steadily increased to the current total of 240 students.
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