by Jade Sanders ’24
Karolye Eldridge is a beloved 4th grade head teacher here at AFS. After 20 special years, Karolye plans to start a new chapter in her life as she prepares for retirement at the end of this school year. I sat down with Karolye to get a reflection of her experience here at AFS and what she may be looking forward to in her retirement.
For Karolye, it started off as curiosity. She had been a sweater designer for 15 years, spending most of her time in New York. After longing for a new change of scenery, Karolye decided she was interested in finding out if she wanted to go into teaching. That spark of curiosity started an amazing 20 years of teaching at AFS for her.
Teaching students for 20 years has not only aided in their personal learning and growth but has helped Karolye learn and grow along with them which is truly a beautiful experience that has made Abington Friends School so special to the 4th grade teacher. “This is the only job I’ve ever had that has helped me grow intellectually and spiritually, and I love that feeling.”
After her retirement she plans on spending more time designing, with family, traveling and overall embarking on a new journey. We congratulate Karolye on her retirement and thank her, along with all teachers for their supportive and impactful roles in so many children’s lives.