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Woodlynde School is an independent co-educational college preparatory school located in Strafford, PA.  Founded in 1976 by a small group of parents led by Gordon A. Hughes, Janet and Robert M. Hewes III, and first Board Chair Arthur M. Tofani, Jr., Woodlynde opened its doors on a former Episcopal diocese estate called Denbigh in Gulph Mills.  Starting with an enrollment of approximately 40 students, Woodlynde's student body grew each year under the first Head of School, Jack Hughes.

Appointed Head of School in 1981, John M. "Hench" Murray implemented programs that established Woodlynde as a school that offers flexible teaching methods that accommodate a wide variety of learning styles.  Under his leadership Woodlynde flourished.  Upon purchasing the former Strafford Elementary School in 1984, Woodlynde moved to its present campus with an enrollment of 118 students.  In 1990, with the support of Board Chair David P. Montgomery, Hench launched "The Next Generation," a highly successful capital campaign which raised $1.5 million.  This enabled the school to provide better facilities, including a new lower school wing, an additional cafeteria, and a photography darkroom, for the increasing student body.  Enrollment grew significantly over the next 15 years to its current number of more than 300 students.  When Hench moved on to other career opportunities in 1995, he left behind a modernized facility, expanded athletic and arts programs, and introduced technology-based program support.

Woodlynde continued to flourish under the leadership of Jack Rogers, a former Woodlynde Board member, with the support of Board Chairs Kay Thomas and Michael Stiles.  Jack made his own contribution to Woodlynde by establishing outreach programs that have fostered dialogue and the exchange of ideas with students and faculty at other schools as well as with leaders in the business community.  He also made service a priority, initiating Woodlynde's annual participation in Philadelphia's Martin Luther King Day of Service.  After Jack's departure in 2004, former Head of School Hench Murray returned to Woodlynde in a leadership role.  Hench is the current Head of School.  Longtime board member and current parent Jane Mullany serves as the Chair of Woodlynde's Board of Directors.

At Woodlynde there are many avenues to experience success in and out of the classroom.  Small class size and multi-sensory instruction enable students to achieve their potential, with over 90% of Woodlynde graduates matriculating at a four year college or university.  Woodlynde students have the opportunity to participate in AP courses as well as the National Honor Society.  The school also offers competitive athletics programs in all of the major sports for boys and girls at all age levels.  Outstanding programs in Drama, Art, and Photography are also available.

As Woodlynde continues to thrive, the community remains committed to educational research and cutting-edge technology while continuing to focus on small classes, diverse teaching methods, and strategies to enhance the academic and social progress of its students.