Welcome to the ais parent community

As parents and guardians of Agnes Irwin students, you are an integral part of our vibrant and engaged community.

Agnes Irwin proudly hosts several beloved, all-school events that are free for parents and families, including the Back to School BBQ, Parent Socials, and our Parent Special Interest Groups. These gatherings offer valuable opportunities to reinforce our shared vision for our girls and to get to know your daughters’ friends, fellow parents, and our dedicated faculty and staff.

As an AIS parent or guardian, you are automatically a member of the Agnes Irwin School Parents’ Association (AISPA). The AISPA’s mission is to foster a positive spirit within the Agnes Irwin community and to provide financial support for educational spaces, opportunities, and enrichment through various fundraising activities and events.

We hope you’ll join us for as many all-school and AISPA events as you can this year! If you have questions or suggestions, please contact our Director of Parent Engagement, Jen Earle, at jearle@agnesirwin.org or 610-801-1317.

Events

Owlidays

Parents, grandparents, past parents and alumnae are invited to a day of discounted shopping at participating stores in the greater Philadelphia area and an evening of cocktails in Eagle Village, Devon.

Back to School BBQ

This beloved family-friendly event is the capstone kickoff to the academic year at AIS. Free for all families to attend, it features face-painting, kids’ crafts, music, and delicious BBQ.

May Fair

This Lower School tradition, dating back to 1869, begins with each grade in the Lower School performing a dance around the Maypole, culminating with the weaving of the Maypole ribbons by the fourth grade. Following these dances, the girls enjoy a spring fair filled with games, treats, and fun.

New Parent Welcome Parties

The Development and Admissions Teams together host a spring picnic and fall cocktail party for new families and their partner families from the school community to welcome them to our warm and inclusive community.

Book Fair

Celebrate our girls’ growing love of reading at the Lower School Book Fair featuring books from Children's Book World. There are many genres and reading levels to explore!

Bonfire

The All School Bonfire is the kickoff to AIS/EA Day Spirit Week.

Family Skating Night

Grab your skates and join us at the Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society in Ardmore. Admission is free.

Faculty & Staff Lunches

Parents lovingly host a lunch for the faculty and staff to express their gratitude for all that they do for the girls, each and every day.

Parent Association Meetings

All parents and guardians are encouraged to attend these informational monthly meetings. They are held in person at 672 Conestoga Road and virtually.

rAISe

Parents’ Association’s largest fundraiser of the year is an adult-only evening party that includes dinner, entertainment, and opportunities to give back to the school. The auction features one-of-a kind items and opportunities for all to enjoy.

Movie Night

AIS hosts an annual community-building movie night at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute.

Gathering for Families of Color

Annual AIS Gathering for Students of Color and their Families is co-hosted by the Director of DEIB: Community Connection & Engagement and the DEIB Chair of the Parents’ Association’s Executive Committee. Delicious international foods, festivities, music, and fellowship are all on the menu at this vibrant, all-school event.

Divider Plaid

Special Interest Groups

Walking Club

Led by Parents' Association President Ann Thorkelson P'32, this group meets primarily on Friday mornings after drop-off.

Book Club

Co-Hosted by AIS parents Meryl Cooper P32 '34 '37 and Jennifer Montoya P'34, the Book Club meets once a month during the school year.

Flower Arrangement Club

Workshops are held several times per year at 672 Conestoga Road and local flower shops.

Mahjong Club

Open play weekly starting mid-September.

Volunteer Opportunities

Community service is a passion of the entire AIS community. Our Community Service Program aims to host at least two different charitable initiatives per month and is managed through the work of the Parents’ Association Executive Committee and the Director of Parent Engagement. We engage in indirect service opportunities (can drives, wish lists, toiletry drives) and direct service such as trips to local soup kitchens, nursing homes, and food pantries. We also partner with Vanessa Babinecz, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Experiential Learning, for many parent/child community service opportunities.

AIS parents are eager to be involved, engaging the community here on campus. Many in-school volunteer opportunities exist. Please bring your ideas to the school as our community is strengthened by everyone’s generous contributions of time and talents.
Volunteer opportunities on campus include: