50th Timeline: 2003 – Struggles with Enrollment Begin

After some growth associated with the new building, a slow enrollment decline began at the School, a decline which then accelerated after the beginning of the Great Recession in December 2007.  By the end of the decade, total enrollment at Friends School Mullica Hill had dropped to 205 students.  During this time, the faculty continued to provide a great experience for their students, even as the financial challenges that arose out of declining enrollments led to reduction in staff and limited pay raises.  Parents, administrators, and Board members worked hard during this period to maintain the quality of the School.  This challenging time seems ideal for pausing in our chronological journey and taking a closer view at a typical academic year.  This will allow time to focus on some of the long-running activities and distinctive traditions of the School.