History

First day of school

 

Helping Students Shine Since 1982

In 1982, George Rowe (then Head of School at Buckingham Friends school) and special education teacher Beverly Morgan founded The Quaker School at Horsham to serve bright students who had language-based learning differences such as dyslexia.

George Rowe was inspired by one of his students, whom he felt had great potential but could not find success. George wanted to create a school where the needs of this student, and others like him, were understood and appreciated.
 
The school was originally described as the “Pipe Dreams Friends School” and opened with three students and two teachers in the basement of the Horsham Monthly Meeting House of The Religious Society of Friends.
 
At that time, the school began to evolve to better meet the needs of our families, focusing on embracing and celebrating children with complex challenges. However, the school’s original purpose – to be a place for students whose gifts are not appreciated elsewhere – will always remain.

Authentic, meaningful change requires bold strides forward

That's something The Quaker School at Horsham has proven since our founding in 1982. What began as a small school dedicated to meeting the learning needs of children with complex challenges has evolved into an expansive, innovative community that truly changes the lives of K-12 and 18-21 year-old students and their families.

This growth stems from a constant drive to provide the absolute best research-based education and support to our TQS community, while staying true to our mission and our Quaker values.

Through program expansion, a stronger curriculum, research and leadership, and capacity building, we were able to grow into a school offering business literacy and real-world work experiences, additional support services, and a new school wing and refreshed campus.

Groups of students at prom
Empty classroom in our Sassafras Program
Student attending their 11th grade internship at Weavers Way

“Leading the Change is the most far-reaching strategic plan in our school's history,  yet I have never been more confident in our community's ability to accomplish our goals. Together, we will deliver bold leadership, authentic engagement, emboldened people, unparalleled programs, and audacious innovation - and we will impact the lives of even more individuals with complex challenges.” -Alex Brosowsky, Head of School

Upcoming Events

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Upper School families are invited to a Lunch and Learn focused on College Planning for Students with Complex Challenges beginning at 12:00 p.m.  Laura Sibbald, Executive Director of Neurodiversity Initiatives from Chestnut Hill College and Kristen Tabun, Director of Transition from TQS will review with families how to know if their student is ready for college, what to do now to support a transition, and how to successfully navigate the many changes students will face in college.

Shine Together Blog

What's the Latest in Accessible Technology? New Features that Benefit Students with Complex Challenges
What's the Latest in Accessible Technology? New Features that Benefit Students with Complex Challenges

From intricate functionalities to unknown risks to potential impact, new technology can be quite intimidating. Yet when emerging technology is used to help people with disabilities be more independent and connected, it can be incredibly life-changing.

Apple is one company with a long-standing commitment to making products for everyone, and it’s intriguing to watch the company develop innovative solutions aimed at empowering all individuals to use its products with greater ease and independence.

Read More about What's the Latest in Accessible Technology? New Features that Benefit Students with Complex Challenges
Revolutionizing Education: How AI Can Empower Students with Complex Challenges
Revolutionizing Education: How AI Can Empower Students with Complex Challenges

As both the head of a school and the parent of a child with complex challenges, I understand the concerns and struggles that students with learning differences (and their families!) face on a daily basis, both in and outside of the classroom. 

That’s why I am so enthralled by the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an assistive technology – one that may soon transform the educational experiences of our children.

Read More about Revolutionizing Education: How AI Can Empower Students with Complex Challenges