Elevation Feature Ep 7: Olney Friends School

[00:00] – Introduction
Karl Boehm: Welcome everyone. Thank you for joining us at the Help 100 Schools Podcast. We have another wonderful school and school leader feature for today. We have Christian Acemah, who is the Head of School at Olney Friends School. Christian, welcome to the show!

Christian Acemah: Thank you very much, Karl. Happy to be here.

Karl Boehm: Christian, let’s start with a brief introduction to yourself and your background.

Christian Acemah: Certainly! I am the Head of School at Olney Friends School. Before this role, I served as the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences in Kampala, Uganda. I’m a 2001 graduate of Olney Friends School and have worked in various capacities, including as Director of Strategy and Program Development for the African Science Academy Development Initiative in Washington, DC. I’ve also been a visiting professor of African Studies at Quest University in Canada and have worked with organizations like UNICEF and the Lutheran World Federation. I hold degrees from St. John’s College, Georgetown University, and Vanderbilt University, as well as a certificate in corporate governance from the Chartered Governance Institute of the UK and Ireland. My life of service has its roots in my experience at Olney, and I’m passionate about ensuring that more students receive the gift of an Olney education for generations to come.

[02:30] – Why Families Choose Olney Friends School
Karl Boehm: Christian, why do families choose Olney Friends School for their students?

Christian Acemah: The short answer is that families know instinctively that their children can be themselves at Olney Friends School. They’ll find a sense of belonging here. Beyond academics and Quaker values, there’s something intangible—families sense that their child will fit in. Many students who don’t thrive in traditional schools, public or private, find their place here. During interviews, eight out of ten prospective students stop halfway and say, “This is where I want to be.”

[05:00] – The Captivating Story Behind Olney Friends School
Karl Boehm: Is there a captivating story behind Olney Friends School?

Christian Acemah: Absolutely. The school has burnt down three times and been rebuilt three times—without interrupting classes. Even when the main building burnt down in 1911, classes continued. It’s a powerful metaphor: no matter what tragedy befalls the school, it stands strong and comes back stronger. This resilience is a core part of the Olney spirit.

[08:00] – Unique Aspects of Olney Friends School
Karl Boehm: What are some unique aspects of the school that the world should know about?

Christian Acemah: One of the most unique things is what we call the “Olney Spirit.” It means different things to different people. For some, it’s a feeling of warmth when they come to school. For others, it’s a sense of connection to the broader environment—natural and built. It’s also about realizing potential. For example, if there’s food waste at a meal, someone might ask, “Are we keeping the Olney Spirit with all this waste?” and everyone quickly comes to order.

Another unique aspect is our emphasis on community. In a world that values materialism and individuality, Olney reminds us that we are social beings. We work best in the context of community, which gives us meaning, purpose, and safety.

Lastly, there’s a lot of meaning in the little things we do. Students learn to notice and appreciate small gestures—like a greeting in the morning, someone handing them an apple, or checking on them when they’re not feeling well. These moments teach students to be alive and attentive to life.

[12:00] – Overview of Olney Friends School
Karl Boehm: For those unfamiliar with Olney Friends School, can you give a brief overview?

Christian Acemah: Of course. Olney Friends School is a private high school in Barnesville, Ohio, on a 350-acre certified organic farm. Founded in 1837 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), the school is rooted in the belief that individuals can have a direct connection to God without intermediaries. We are a college preparatory school, and our students leave here ready to be positive contributors to the world.

We’re a small school, with space for only 60 students in our dorms. Even at its founding, the school could only handle a maximum of 100 students. Our academics are rigorous, and we pride ourselves on preparing students not just for college but for life.

[15:00] – Mission and Vision of Olney Friends School
Karl Boehm: Does the school have a formal mission and vision?

Christian Acemah: Yes, our mission is to provide an integrated, transdisciplinary curriculum that prepares students for college and life within a safe and caring community. Our vision is to grow the best thinkers, learners, and positive contributors in the world. We keep the vision somewhat under wraps because it’s not as modest as Quakers typically prefer!

[17:00] – Who is a Good Fit for Olney Friends School?
Karl Boehm: Who do you think would be an especially good fit for the school?

Christian Acemah: Students who are curious about the world beyond what they can access in their current schools. Those who have probing questions and want to explore them deeply. We also welcome students who want to live a life of service, whether in business, medicine, diplomacy, or other fields. And, of course, students interested in organic living and farming will find a home here.

[19:00] – How to Learn More About Olney Friends School
Karl Boehm: Where should we point folks who are interested in learning more or applying?

Christian Acemah: They can visit our website at www.onlyfriends.org. That’s where their journey begins.

[20:00] – Closing Remarks
Karl Boehm: Christian, thank you so much for being on the show today. It’s been a pleasure hearing about Olney Friends School and your journey.

Christian Acemah: Thank you, Karl. It’s been a lot of fun talking about the school.

Karl Boehm: Everyone, thank you for listening. Please share this episode with anyone who might be interested, and remember to like and subscribe. We’ll see you next time!