A Private Boarding & Day School Focused on Character
Explore Olney Friends School, a private boarding & day school in Ohio, where Quaker values, structure, and community develop character for college and life.
Inclusion at School Through Holistic Education
Discover what inclusion at a small boarding school really feels like at Olney Friends School—where every student is known, valued, and supported.
Peace, Presence, and the Outdoors
At Olney Friends School, a Quaker boarding and day school in Barnesville, Ohio, students learn something different. Presence. Deep listening. Caring for living things and each other across our 350-acre USDA-certified organic campus. Outdoor learning isn’t a program here. It’s daily life.
What Sustainable Living Really Means at a Boarding School in Ohio
See how sustainable living weaves into daily boarding school life on a 350-acre USDA-certified organic campus in Barnesville, Ohio at Olney Friends School.
How Agricultural Education Becomes Truly Transdisciplinary
It’s pretty rare for a high school to have a farm. Uniquely situated upon 350 acres of USDA certified organic farmland, our school is a working farm that also serves as our largest classroom!
Is Your Teen Ready? 10 Signs They’ll Thrive at Boarding School
Wondering if your teen is ready for boarding school? Our guide reveals 10 signs of readiness and how Olney Friends School’s unique Quaker values-based education helps students flourish.
5 Reasons City Parents Are Choosing Rural Boarding Schools
How Rural Boarding School Life Benefits Your Teenager Transitioning from an urban area to a rural area can be difficult. You worry about job availability and access to urban comforts like shopping and dining in nice restaurants. But that’s when you’re an adult. For teens transitioning from an urban school to a rural boarding high school, the stakes are different. In fact, the values you seek out as a parent occur more naturally in rural boarding school life than in urban school life. In a rural boarding school, life moves at a more intentional pace. Your teens have space to breathe, think, and connect deeply with nature, humans, and themselves. They get to pass through an academic system that combines rigorous learning with practical and value-based education. 5 Reasons Why Parents Love Rural Boarding Schools Here are five reasons why city parents are choosing rural boarding schools, like Olney, and why you should Rural school life facilitates immersive learning. Due to characteristics like lower population density, abundant natural landscape, a quieter environment, and more room for outdoor learning, rural boarding schools are uniquely positioned to offer a more interconnected learning approach. Just imagine a boarding high school with fewer than 50 students sprawled across 350 acres of land, a student-centered farm program, and shared responsibilities. At Olney, immersive learning extends far beyond the walls of classrooms and into our USDA-certified organic farm. With our expansive grounds and over 20 certified organic crops, our students are active participants in sustainable agriculture, livestock care, and food production. Our farm-to-table program teaches responsibility, patience, and problem-solving. Whether they’re tending crops or caring for animals, students gain a deeper understanding of biology, environmental stewardship, and teamwork through shared responsibilities. This kind of learning environment encourages your teen to seek a better understanding of nature. Citizen science gives teens a chance to move beyond theory and truly participate in real-world research. And due to the ecological nature of rural areas, rural boarding school life positions your teen in a learning environment where they can easily relate class topics to real-world problems. By having direct access to environmental challenges and being able to engage with them through environmental science, your teen develops sharper critical thinking skills, a deeper connection to nature, and a sense of responsibility beyond themselves. We offer a transdisciplinary curriculum that relates academic discussions to accessible real-world problems. Citizen science challenges our students to solve accessible issues in our neighborhood, such as establishing a baseline for stream quality in our local watershed. In a rural boarding school, community isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lived experience. With fewer students, shared responsibilities, and a culture of mutual respect, your teen becomes part of something meaningful. At Olney, community is one of the core principles behind our Quaker values. Our students work with each other on the farm, gather together to worship, converse openly and vulnerably with each other to reach consensus decisions, and cooperate with each other during outdoor activities. Ultimately, these routines don’t just ensure that your teen understands the value of community, they also ensure that they have a strong sense of community that can withstand challenges that lie beyond the walls of the school. A common stereotype is that rural education means limited exposure, but we’re proving otherwise. The small, quiet, and intimate nature of rural education allows our rural boarding school to have more control over what students are exposed to. This means teachers can facilitate meaningful dialogue aimed towards seeing the bigger picture about a topic or problem. At Olney, one-third of our students are international students, which means global awareness is integrated into the everyday life of your teen. This diversity manifests itself both academically and socially. We approach history in a manner that explores the experience of diverse groups within the periods. This nuanced, connective approach to learning is consistent in our curriculum and non-academically, in the sense that we celebrate various cultural events and encourage cross-cultural collaboration. By the time they graduate, your teen doesn’t just have a global understanding of the world, they’re also prepared to take part in it with curiosity, humility, and purpose. Rural boarding schools offer something that is becoming increasingly rare in our hyperconnected world: the opportunity for teens to develop a healthy relationship with technology. According to an academic survey, a high percentage of teenagers who used social media extensively showed high psychological tension. In urban schools, students are overwhelmed with digital, while rural boarding school life encourages more intentional technology use. The Olney Friends Boarding School Difference At Olney, your teen experiences digital detox periods, where they engage in practical activities like aquaculture and animal husbandry, depending on the season, as well as social activities , like community meetings or silent worship. The aim of this structured process isn’t to reject technology entirely, but rather to encourage mindful practice and positive usage. The physical distance from urban digital infrastructure that rural boarding school life offers, combined with our purposeful scheduling that prioritizes human interactions and outdoor activities, can help city teens rediscover focus, deep thinking, and genuine human connection. By graduation, our students have developed what many urban teens lack: the ability to be fully present, think deeply without digital interruption, and maintain authentic relationships in both digital and non-digital spaces. Learn more about how we help teens become intellectually, emotionally, and socially ready for college and beyond in our unique rural setting.
Discover The Benefits of Nature-Based Learning
How Nature-Based Learning Builds Resilience in Students As a parent, you want your teens to receive the best possible education, but this can be challenging for students who struggle to focus in a traditional school setting. The answer may lie in nature-based learning, as this type of learning takes place in the great outdoors and offers benefits to your teen. How Is Nature-Based Learning Taught? Outdoor education takes many forms, from working in school gardens to conducting science experiments under the open sky. At Olney Friends School, our 350-acre campus gives students countless ways to learn outside traditional classrooms. Our farm-to-table program lets students grow their own food and see the complete cycle from planting to plate. With a farm on campus, teens will engage with animals and learn how to take care of them firsthand. Agriculture is a growing industry, and teens who learn sustainability are more apt to continue these living methods after graduating from high school. Nature-based learning is a valuable insight into sustainability, which all communities can greatly benefit from. When students develop a real connection to nature, they start seeing how classroom concepts apply to everyday life. The stress reduction that comes from being outdoors naturally improves focus and concentration. Hands-on outdoor learning works especially well for teens who struggle with traditional classroom environments. Engaging with lessons allows students to connect what they are learning with their daily lives. They are more likely to remember what they are learning because they are allowed to explore, experiment, and ask all their questions. Fun nature-based learning may include: What Are The Benefits of Nature-Based Learning? Outdoor learning provides students with the opportunity to spend time in natural settings, building problem-solving skills and deepening their connection to nature. Today’s teens are on screens constantly. Studies show that time in nature cuts down on anxiety and stress. It also helps students push through when things get tough. High school students will soon be adults. Learning outdoors teaches them ways to handle pressure that they’ll use for years. Many people retreat to nature when they need to clear their minds. Being outside gets students curious about things they might never think about in regular classrooms. Research consistently demonstrates that spending quality time in nature can greatly reduce mental health issues, decrease stress, and help create perseverance. Teens only have a few short years before they become adults and dive into the real world. Outdoor learning can help ground them, and this can lead to them seeking nature later in life when challenges arise and they are feeling the pressures of life. Being in a natural environment gives young adults a sense of purpose and wonder. Being able to explore without boundaries is fun and exciting. Nature promotes creativity and imagination, which can open opportunities for your teens when trying to find hobbies or interests outside of the classroom. Benefits of Outdoor Learning How Can Nature-Based Learning Improve Academic Performance? Since every student learns differently, those who struggle to concentrate in indoor settings often experience a decline in their grades. In outdoor, nature-based learning, a more experiential learning process occurs. Students have the opportunity to engage, explore, and ultimately positively impact their academic learning. Also, outdoor learning can help enhance social skills, which many teens lack because of the extended use of digital devices. Unfortunately, with many teens becoming increasingly hooked on devices, it has a negative impact on their social skills— learning outdoors changes that. When students work in groups to conduct studies, it teaches them how to interact with others more effectively. Teens naturally learn better when they can get outside and engage in physical activity. They are given the chance to learn in a way that may appeal to their interests. This helps provide a deeper understanding of what is being taught and enables students to connect lessons with their daily lives. Improving Education Through Nature-Based Learning We are proud to integrate nature into our learning as a foundational tool for student growth and resilience. At Olney Friends School, our curriculum strikes a healthy balance between outdoor learning and academic instruction, enabling students to connect with nature and fully absorb the lessons being taught. If you have ever considered a boarding high school that offers outdoor learning, schedule a campus tour today. A short tour of Olney’s campus will allow you the opportunity to see how our approach to learning differs from a traditional school setting. Teens who are exposed to outdoor learning have a much higher chance of growing into resilient adults.
Life at a Quaker Boarding School: Where Community Comes First
What Community Means at a Quaker Boarding School A Quaker boarding school is a unique environment cultivating a close-knit, values-based community. Teens who may struggle in a traditional high school quickly find their place in this new setting. Embarking on an alternative school route might seem challenging, but knowing they will have the support of an established community can make this decision easier. Boarding school gives young people the opportunity to join and participate in something bigger than themselves. Academics matter, certainly, but these institutions let your teen become part of a lasting community. Boarding school options seem endless, yet community-focused boarding schools create welcoming spaces where your teen can truly feel at home. When considering sending your child to school away from home, their emotional support and connections are what matter most. Quaker schools provide what many other boarding institutions cannot: authentic community bonds. These Quaker residential institutions blend strong academics with values that can strengthen your teen’s individual sense of purpose. What Exactly is a Quaker Boarding School? Quakers belong to the Religious Society of Friends, a faith community that lives by principles of simplicity and equality, focusing heavily on peace and non-violence. They believe that everyone has goodness with them, which they call an “inner light.” Focusing on this inner light reframes how we see people as we choose to see the positive attributes of those around us. These schools weave Quaker values and principles throughout campus life, creating secure environments for fresh experiences alongside demanding academics. What can you expect from a Quaker boarding school? Quaker boarding schools are open to students and families of any religion, or none. People may think that a Quaker boarding school is only for practicing Quakers, but this is not at all the case.. Learning Quaker values does not ask students to have a specific religion, faith, or belief. Quaker boarding schools are designed with diversity in mind. Allowing room for all religions to practice, engage, and reflect while being a part of a robust academic environment that is heavily focused on community. Why Should Parents Consider a Quaker Boarding School? Community-Based Learning The strong sense of community that a Quaker school offers is the number one reason why most parents consider this type of school over others. A community-based school can provide the support teens need to grow and thrive in all areas of their lives. Community-based learning equips young adults with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the workforce and beyond. Collaborating with others is a crucial soft skill essential in the home, workplace, and community. This will help shape teens into model citizens who will care for their neighbors and show them kindness when needed. Community-focused schools are highly valuable in today’s world because they enable students to form lifelong bonds. When students work together regularly, they pick up teamwork skills that help them later in jobs and relationships. They learn to help their classmates and be there for each other when things get tough. These bonds can help teens who otherwise struggle to find a place in this world. Values in Curriculum Values are naturally woven into the heart of lessons. This value-based education helps foster more well-rounded individuals who are ready to take on the world. Creating kind individuals who value others can be achieved with the help of a community-based school that incorporates values into its curriculum. Creativity Creativity is welcomed and valued in Quaker schools. It is not only welcomed but also encouraged, as students explore topics, ask questions, and really learn the curriculum they are being taught. With values woven into every lesson, teens will grow into creative spirits that are kind and accepting of all people. Schedule Your Campus Tour Today Want a school where your teen won’t disappear into the background? Our classes stay small – usually 8 to 12 kids – so teachers can give each student personal attention within a close-knit community. Take a virtual tour, and check out what we’re all about. Schedule your campus tour today and experience firsthand what makes Olney Friends School a leading Quaker boarding school.
Parents Discover the Benefits of Boarding School as a Life-Changing Education
How a Boarding School Can Benefit Your Teen As a parent, you may be considering whether your teen could benefit from a boarding school education. Choosing a private education for your teen may be the best solution for your family if you want to give them a unique experience that can help them prepare for life after school. Ten Benefits of Boarding School The digital age has brought many distractions for teens in general. Kids are gaining access to digital devices at younger and younger ages. Screen time is not always monitored, and it can cause numerous issues for a teen as they approach school age. Focus can be a major problem for many teens, which has led some parents to seek alternative schooling methods that work better for their teens. If you are unsure about why boarding school may be a good fit for your teen, Olney Friends School has you covered. 1. Independence As parents, it can be easy to do everything for your teen. After all, at the beginning of their lives, they are dependent on you for everything. However, as they grow into young adults, your teen must learn to be more independent. For a teen to learn how to cope and thrive in any circumstance means they need to make decisions for themselves. This can be a challenging process for both the teen and parent, but as time passes, this independence will help the teen mature and become more confident. Having a private school environment will give students the chance to develop skills while in a supportive and supervised environment. This experience will also help your teen live more comfortably with people from diverse backgrounds. This is an ability that all students will need when they become adults, where they will have to live, study, and work on their own. 2. Responsibility Responsibility is something that is learned, and it can be a tricky one for parents to teach if their teen is not interested. Boarding school takes away the constant monitoring done by parents and makes students responsible for their own actions. At this type of school, students need to keep their dorm rooms tidy and be respectful to all other students and staff. In addition, Olney offers hands-on learning, where students take responsibility for caring for crops and farm animals. Residential school allows your teen to encounter many different situations where they will need to consider their actions and their consequences. 3. Life Skills A conventional school setting typically consists of classrooms, books, and labs. The benefits of boarding school allow students the chance to learn real-life skills that can hugely benefit their career choice and make them more adaptable to University life. Olney offers a more holistic approach, one that goes beyond just reading books. Our 350-acre campus allows our students to partake in real-life skills that prepare them for their next steps after graduation. We offer sustainable agriculture, livestock care, organic farming practices, and food production. With USDA Certified Organic status, Olney offers a farm-to-table program where students will be introduced to over 20 certified organic crops and a multitude of animals. Students will enjoy time with classmates while engaging in these activities, allowing them to build stronger bonds and social networks. Olney is an international school, meaning your teen will meet people from a variety of cultures, ages, and personalities. This will benefit their future careers and personal relationships. 4. Individual Attention Residential schools tend to have smaller classrooms, allowing for more personalized learning. At Olney, we have a student-to-teacher ratio of 3:1., This allows educators to focus on the needs and performance of their students. As a result, students can easily identify their strengths and weaknesses. This means that problem areas can easily be identified and addressed early on, allowing students to achieve a better understanding academically. A closer connection between students and teachers ensures better mentorship and stronger communication. Students will feel more confident about speaking up during classroom activities and feel more encouraged to engage in the lessons being taught. 5. Networking The benefits of boarding schools allow students to live, study, and play together, fostering deeper bonds among them. Friendships made will carry over into adulthood. Cultural diversity will also help students be better prepared for the world. They will have a fond respect for different ethnic backgrounds and be able to converse with a variety of people when entering the workforce. Students will gain an appreciation for diversity and support it in all areas of their lives. Olney allows students to have a whole community of people who support their ambitions. 6. Higher Standard of Academics Academics are one thing that most private schools concentrate on. After all, parents are investing in their teen’s future, so they want to make sure they are getting a solid academic foundation. Another point to note is that the quality of teachers and educators in private schools tends to be much higher. Schools that operate on private funding place a greater emphasis on hiring highly qualified staff. These schools also tend to have well-equipped labs, well-stocked libraries or media centers, and various other activities and learning opportunities for students to participate in. 7. Focus Since classrooms are smaller, every student can interact with the lessons being taught. Living on campus extends learning time, allowing it to continue even outside the classroom. Also, it allows teachers the opportunity to understand what makes their students excited about learning. With this information at hand, teachers can focus lessons on topics that matter to their students. Intellectual stimulation is one of the many benefits of attending boarding school. This often leads students to be more motivated to focus, learn, and perform well in classes. Students will not have the distractions they often have at home. Instead, they canfill their time with reading books, exploring campus, or even getting tutored on subjects they find challenging. Overall, private schools allow students to focus on their lessons and a higher level of learning with a