Delaware Valley Friends School is a co-ed, college preparatory school for 7th-12th grade students with learning differences.
The ABLE program offers students non-academic opportunities to learn and practice skills that support their success in the academic classroom and in their work lives. Skills include: goal setting, problem solving, risk assessment, self-assessment, time management and organization of belongings and thoughts. Students also learn technical skills needed to complete the ABLE elective courses or grade level events safely. Upper school students choose from four trimester-long ABLE electives – Backpacking, Bicycle Touring, Know the Ropes (low and high challenge courses) and Rock Climbing. Students must take one ABLE course to graduate from the school. They may take as many ABLE courses as there is room in the class and in their schedule. In addition to the elective courses, each grade level has an ABLE activity or activities. The Middle School has a one-day orientation during the first week of school. The 7th and 8th grades each have a day-long hike along the Appalachian Trail, often in conjunction with their science classes. There is a two-day 9th grade orientation during the first week of school. This event includes low and high challenge courses, night activities, and a day of rock climbing. The 10th and 11th grades each go on a day-long canoe trip toward the end of the school year. All ABLE courses and events are instructed by the ABLE director assisted by other DVFS faculty.