During his 23 years at Friends, Head of School Bo Lauder achieved countless milestones and introduced changes that will be remembered long after his departure. He established the Center for Peace, Equity, and Justice, a department that fosters the core values of equality, diversity, and community engagement—principles that align with the Quaker testimonies that Friends upholds. He also introduced Arabic into the curriculum, making Friends the first independent school in New York City to offer this language. In addition, Bo introduced
free community breakfasts and established the Mariana Chapman Academic Center, spaces that foster connection and collaboration, strengthening the institution’s sense of community. In 2004, two years after Bo joined Friends, the percentage of students receiving financial aid was 19%. By 2024, this percentage had increased to 23%, and the total financial aid budget had grown from $2.1 million to $6.9 million. Since the fall of 2002, the student body also increased by approximately 150, resulting in a larger and more diverse community. In our interview with him, Bo shared that he is most proud of two achievements: strengthening and expanding the academic program, and bringing the Skyspace to Friends.
Bo’s presence at Friends will have a lasting impact on the institution as a whole, but none of his contributions would have been possible if he had not been drawn to Friends 23 years ago. According to Bo, it was the school’s mission statement that enticed him to become part of the community. While he viewed most schools’ mission statements as “utilitarian” in nature, Bo saw Friends’ mission statement as “poetic and lyrical.” It allowed him to see the beauty in what the school strives for, ultimately
convincing him to become our new Head of School.
When asked why he stayed for over two decades, Bo said, “I believe in Friends Seminary.” He feels he came into the school’s life at a time when it “needed what I could provide” with his academic and educational talents. He explained that he spent a considerable amount of years at Friends because he felt like his work wasn’t done. Now, 23 years later—though he thinks there is still work to be accomplished—Bo believes that he “can let go.” When asked what has changed most at Friends during his tenure, Bo talked about the renovation of the entire campus, excluding the Meetinghouse, and the ever-evolving curriculum, which he referred to as a “living organism.” He shared his pride in our dynamic STEM department, which continues to break down traditional walls, and his excitement to see what the department will become. Similarly, he shared his excitement for the expanding World Languages department, particularly with the addition of non-Western languages, such as Chinese and Arabic. Bo hopes to stay connected with Friends after his departure and looks forward to seeing the school and its curriculum continue to evolve.
When reflecting on his many happy memories from Friends, Bo decided that he would miss the students the most. He described Friends students as “incredibly kind and polite and engaged with each other and the world.” He explained that one of the things he misses most about teaching is his closeness to students, who are “kind, smart, and playful.” Bo also recalled one of his favorite memories from his years here: in 2004, there was an incident during the construction of the school’s wide steps. When digging, a vein of gas that had been encased in the ground for hundreds of years was accidentally hit. The smell of gas filled the whole school, and everyone had to evacuate into the cold February weather. School was adjourned for a couple days while multiple organizations investigated the incident. However, once they confirmed that the gas wasn’t dangerous, the event became a fun adventure tale. Now, every year on the anniversary of what is fondly referred to as the “geoburp”—which happens to be on Groundhog Day—Bo receives a “happy geo-burp” email from Courtney Retzler, a teacher who shared this experience with him.
When reflecting on his time here at Friends, Bo said, “I sometimes wonder if I denied myself other kinds of educational experiences by staying here for most of my career, but then I remember how much I love the school.” He shared his pride in the work he and his team have accomplished over the last 23 years and the joy he feels having been able to work at a place that has benefited from his contributions. With that being said, all good things must come to an end. As Bo’s journey here at Friends begins to wrap up, he expresses how he will continue to embody our community’s values moving forward. Having worked at Sidwell Friends in DC for nine years before coming to our NYC community, Bo explains that the Quaker SPICES are “baked into who I am.”
Bo’s advice for the future Head of School? Don’t get trapped in your office, own your own time, and spend as much time as possible with students. He recommended being out and about during the day, getting a feel for student life through Meeting for Announcements, and learning about the day to day events that are happening throughout the school.
When asked about his choice of a green and orange color scheme, Bo chuckled and explained that they are his “birth colors” and that he has always loved them. He concluded by expressing his hope that Friends keeps these colors. He explained, “I want to stay connected to the school in some way. Something can’t just be your life for 23 years and then you just walk away.”