At Friends School Haverford (FSH), a small Quaker school just outside Philadelphia, these ideals are woven into every part of school life. Founded in 1885, FSH exemplifies what a Friends education can look like in practice, where children grow in knowledge and in values.
Why a Friends (Quaker) School Education?
Quaker, or Friends, schools are grounded in the belief that every person has an “inner light” - an inherent worth and capacity that deserves respect and cultivation. This spiritual foundation shapes how each individual child is taught, celebrated, and honored. ,
For example, at FSH, the whole school gathers weekly for Meeting for Worship. In this quiet, reflective space, children learn to pause, listen, and share when they feel moved to speak. It’s a practice that fosters mindfulness, empathy, and a deeper sense of connection, qualities that are often overlooked in today’s fast-paced world.
Learning Through Values
Friends schools don’t treat values as a separate subject. Instead, core Quaker principles, often referred to as testimonies, are embedded into everyday learning and decision-making:
- Community: Students are part of a close-knit, collaborative environment where every child is known and every voice matters.
- Integrity: Children are encouraged to be their full, honest selves and to act with kindness and accountability.
- Equality: Friends schools foster respect for all perspectives and cultivate inclusive classrooms where students learn from one another.
- Simplicity: There’s an intentional focus on what’s essential - curiosity, creativity, wonder, and deep learning without unnecessary distractions.
- Stewardship: Students develop a strong sense of responsibility for the world around them, from caring for classroom plants to participating in environmental initiatives.
- Peace: Conflict resolution is approached through dialogue and understanding, even among the youngest learners.
- Service: Acts of service are a regular part of school life; students connect their learning to the needs of their broader community.
The Joyful Work of Play at Friends School Haverford
At Friends School Haverford, a project-based approach to learning supports each child’s development while sparking curiosity, collaboration, and a love of discovery. Walk into one of their vibrant classrooms and you might see children constructing towers and castles with blocks, creating expressive artwork, or exploring nature in the outdoor classroom. This is purposeful play—child-led, teacher-supported, and intentionally designed to nurture critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
A Personalized, Purposeful Education
One of the hallmarks of Friends School Haverford, and many other Friends schools, is its commitment to truly knowing each child. With intentionally small class sizes which allows for close relationships between students and teachers, children receive individualized support and are encouraged to explore their interests deeply and authentically.
This environment allows for a more holistic approach to growth. Children are not only prepared for the next grade level, but they develop the confidence, compassion, and critical thinking skills to navigate the world with integrity and purpose.
Why Families Choose Friends Schools
For families seeking a school where emotional and ethical development are as central as academics, schools like Friends School Haverford offer a compelling option. They provide a model of education that is grounded in a play-based learning environment that is deeply attuned to the needs of today’s children.
Whether you’re exploring a Friends school in your area or simply curious about how education can be values-based, communities like Friends School Haverford offer an inspiring example of what’s possible when children are taught to lead with both their hearts and minds.