Today, we announced that, after more than a year of discussion and exploration, the boards of Watershed School and Friends School voted to join forces: Over the next year, we plan to unify our schools into a single institution! Watershed and Friends have always shared the same spirit, values, and progressive-learning approach to education, and unifying our schools is a natural next step.
I am truly energized by the unification of Watershed School and Friends School. It's hard to imagine two schools more closely aligned philosophically and programmatically. Together we will be more than the sum of our parts: By creating a seamless academic and community experience from preschool through high school, our students will be better prepared for college and life — and better prepared to make a real difference in the world. —Tim Breen, Head of School, Watershed School
As we unite our communities, I’m filled with excitement for what this future means for generations of learners. By building on the strengths of both schools, we will open up new possibilities for students, families, and educators who believe in whole-child learning, a deep sense of belonging, and the transformative power of thoughtful, mission-aligned education. —Honor Taft, Head of School, Friends School
Together our combined school look forward to providing exciting new opportunities by the 2026-27 school year for students and families in the Boulder area, including:
Students: a cohesive experience, from preschool through high school will strengthen academic culture and deepen learning. In this continuous educational journey, students can grow in a nurturing environment — with teachers who know them deeply and can support their evolving needs at every stage.
Teachers: collaboration among a larger group of exceptional peers will spark fresh ideas, a richer curriculum, and learning experiences that offer even greater community impact.
School Community: a broader, more diverse community will offer a wider range of perspectives, friendships, and opportunities for connection. And our combined school can continue to serve as an inspiring model of progressive-learning, nationwide.
Broader community: greater organizational strength and resilience will allow us to continue to keep our focus where it should be — on teaching and learning.
We are delighted that Watershed School and Friends Schools are partnering to strengthen educational opportunities for families in the Boulder area. Together, we can educate children in more creative, diverse, and dynamic ways than we could have ever done on our own. —Julie Goldstein, Chair of the Board, Watershed School
Our two schools are a natural fit. Together, we can build on our longstanding commitments to honor the individual and prepare our students to make a meaningful impact in the world. This unification means great things for both our schools and the Boulder area. —Kristin Lawrence, Chair of the Board, Friends School
More details about the unification process are posted online at TogetherinBoulder.org. This site will serve as a central, up-to-date resource, and it also provides a form through which you can submit questions and comments.
This unification fills us with delight and wonder. Delight because Watershed and Friends share so much in their DNA – a student-centered education that inspires, enlivens, connects, and transforms. Wonder in imagining all the possibilities our combined school community will bring to Boulder area families who will now have an outstanding option for progressive education from early childhood through high school. —Jason Berv and Sumaya Abu-Haidar, co-founders of Watershed School
