$2.5 Million Grant Awarded To Delaware Valley Friends School in Paoli

PAOLI, PA — Delaware Valley Friends School in Paoli was awarded a $2.5 million grant to construct an addition, a cafe and make stormwater improvements, State Rep. Melissa Shusterman announced Wednesday.

Shusterman, a Schuylkill Township Democrat, said that the grant was awarded with the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. It will be used for an expansion, new kitchen, café entrance, courtyard renovations and stormwater management issues.

The school is an all inclusive Quaker learning community for students who learn differently.

“These improvements will help the Delaware Valley Friends School meet the needs of a growing student body,” said Shusterman, who represents D-157.

“As co-chair of the House Autism and Intellectual Disability Caucus, and as a person who could have benefited from a unique approach to learning, I know how important it is to have a school that addresses the needs of kids who learn differently.

"I am proud to have this school right here in our district and I’m happy I was able to assist in securing this funding.”

Kirk Smothers, head of the school, thanked Shusterman and Sen. Carolyn Comitta for recognizing the school’s important mission and helping to secure the grant.

“The funds will enable the school to continue its trajectory of growth and serve even more students through expanded and improved facilities, while underscoring our commitment to good environmental stewardship in our neighborhood,” he said.

A long history

For 35 years, the school has been a national leader educating bright students from grades 1-12 with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia and other associated conditions, including ADHD and executive functioning challenges.

DV students embrace the courage to try, establish the confidence to reach farther, and build resilience to succeed in college and beyond, according to the school's website.

The RACP is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvements.