Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
What age students do you accept?
We are a high school for grades 9 through 12. Generally, students are generally between 14 and 18 years of age.
Where do students live?
Boarding students live in gender specific dormitories but we also do have day students who live in the area. All international students must be boarding students.
How large is the school?
We have 45-55 students from about a dozen US states and numerous countries.
What kinds of students enjoy Olney?
Students who enjoy the outdoors, being challenged academically, and making friends from all over the world will thrive in our community.
When do you accept students?
We accept new students in February/March for the next school year that begins in August.
We also admit a small number of new students at the beginning of our second quarter (in October), and our third quarter (in January). For both international and US students, financial aid is available on a limited basis to those who apply early in the admissions cycle for the fall. To receive the best consideration for aid, please apply by February 1.
What is your average SAT score?
The number fluctuates annually; we are a small school, and one student’s score can significantly affect the average. Often, our average is a bit higher than the national average.
What is your college placement?
We have 100% placement in a four-year college or university in the United States.
What is your average class size?
Class size varies from 3 to 20. The average class size is around 8.
How do you prepare students for college?
Along with an academically rigorous course load, students may take a SAT preparation course. In addition, our college counselor works with each student individually to complete their college applications.
What colleges do your students attend?
Our students attend a wide range of highly-regarded liberal arts colleges as well as regional universities. A list of recent college acceptances is here.
What is the office work program?
Every Olney student is expected to take stewardship over his or her living community; as such as housekeeping or dish crew, in addition to their regular studies. Also, students are required to do community service projects of their choice.
When was your school founded?
Olney Friends School was founded in 1837.
For International Applicants
Do you require the TOEFL or the SLEP?
No, but these tests are very helpful to understand your level of English preparation. Our TOEFL reporting code is 2020.
What level of English-language skills is required?
Our academics are taught at the college preparatory level. You will need at least intermediate-level English language skills to succeed at Olney Friends School. Your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills must all be strong before you apply for admission.
What academic support do you offer for English language learners?
What academic support do you offer for English language learners?
International students take a paper-based TOEFL exam. This exam covers reading comprehension, writing fundamentals, and listening skills. Based on the results of this exam and our own assessment, students may be required to take a supplementary course in ESL for quarters 1 and 2. Dependent on the student’s progress, they may continue in ESL for quarters 3 and 4. Students that have an acceptable level of reading comprehension and listening skills may process during quarters 3 and 4 to a ‘writing through grammar’ and/or a ‘writing laboratory’ course.
Ready to write the next chapter of your story at Olney?
Let’s begin this journey together!