Expanding Our Reach Deepening Our Impact

"We believe every student has an inherent desire and curiosity to learn—it’s only a matter of finding the right project to let that curiosity shine.”

So says Austin Ricketts, who knows a thing or two about curiosity. 

A Quaker School at Horsham teacher who is taking on the role of co-teaching our new 9th-grade class, Austin brings a rich and varied background to the classroom. Before joining TQS in 2017, Austin was a university program coordinator, a research assistant, a chaplain, a special educator, a church director of youth and young families, a substitute teacher, a camp counselor and more. 

In each role, Austin led with regard and respect for the children and families he served. He sees this new opportunity as an invigorating challenge. 

“As TQS appends an Upper School, I’m excited to make history. There are many things to cheer about as we advance. There will be a new building, and the creation of new positions for qualified and caring faculty. Most important, there will be space created for new students to enter into our compassionate community at TQS,” he said. 

In addition to welcoming the new, Austin is excited about helping to maintain consistency for his current students. 

“Along with new students, our current students will have a place to look forward to after their 8th-grade commencement, alleviating the need for any major school decisions before college,” he said. “This is a strong leap toward strengthening the learning potential of students who have not previously had school success.”

TQS announced the addition of a new Upper School as part of an in-depth strategic planning process. The TQS Upper School will be fully implemented and accredited over the course of five years, in a new building wing that is currently being designed. The Upper School will provide four years of intense social skills and executive functioning instruction, and will offer not only clinical supports, but also internships and on-the-job training.

“I’m looking forward to continuing our highly individualized curriculum, especially as we implement project based learning,” said Austin. “For instance, our 9th-graders will be engaging in mock elections, looking into the intricacies of our American government. They are set to create policy platforms, develop political parties, and vie for a chance to move their ideas forward. I’m happy to be on board.” 

Want to learn more about the new TQS Upper School? Read our 5-Year Strategic Plan, and follow along with our progress!