For many families, summer brings a welcome pause - less rush, fewer obligations, and the freedom to slow down. But that same freedom can also feel disorienting. Without the familiar rhythms of the school year, parents may find themselves juggling the tricky balance between creating meaningful experiences for their children and simply keeping the days on track. It’s a question that invites reflection. How can we honor the gifts of summer’s slower pace while also recognizing th

Middle school is more than a bridge between childhood and high school; it is a profound turning point. It is when students begin to question, explore, and define who they are. It is when their need for belonging intensifies, their brains stretch toward abstract thinking, and their hearts search for purpose. At United Friends School, we believe these years are not just a phase to endure; they are the ideal moment to build community and nurture young people as whole, growing hu

Children today grow up surrounded by noise: notifications, headlines, instant replies, and a steady stream of opinions on what to believe, say, wear, and value. This noise doesn’t just scatter their attention, it shapes identity, tests integrity, and erodes the space needed for self-reflection. How do we help children slow down enough to hear their inner voice and reflect before reacting? To discern truth, stay grounded in their values, and think with clarity and compassion?