More Than Academics: How Quaker Education Nurtures the Whole Child

When choosing a school for your child, you’re not just looking for strong academics—you want a place where they’ll grow as a person, discover who they are, and learn how to make a positive impact on the world. That’s exactly what a Quaker education offers. A Quaker school is an educational institution that is influenced by the principles and values of the Religious Society of Friends.

Quaker Schools, or Friends Schools, emphasize values such as peace, social justice, equality, simplicity, and community. These values are integrated into both the curriculum and the culture of the school.

What is a Friends Education?

At its heart, Quaker education is about nurturing the whole child: mind, body, and spirit. It’s rooted in the belief that every child has an “inner light”—a unique potential and goodness that can guide their learning and personal growth. In Quaker schools, education isn’t just about mastering subjects, it’s about developing character, empathy, and a sense of purpose.

A few key principles that shape Quaker education include:

• Community: Learning happens best in a supportive, respectful community where every voice matters. Quaker classrooms foster collaboration and mutual respect, helping students learn how to work together and value different perspectives.

• Reflection: Quaker schools encourage students to pause, reflect, and think deeply about their actions and decisions. Meeting for Worship, a time of silence and contemplation, is a central part of the school day and helps students develop mindfulness, self-awareness, and thoughtful communication.

• Equality: Every student is seen as an equal, with their own strengths and contributions. In a Quaker school, no one is left behind or overlooked—each child is valued for who they are.

• Peace and Conflict Resolution: Instead of punishing mistakes, Quaker education focuses on understanding and resolving conflicts through peaceful dialogue. This helps children develop strong social and emotional skills that they carry into their future relationships.

Friends Education: A Naturally Progressive Approach

Quaker education has long been progressive in nature. Even before the term “progressive education” became popular, Quaker schools were already embracing child-centered, experiential learning that focused on inquiry, discovery, and growth. Here’s how these two ideas naturally come together:

• Hands-On Learning: Instead of memorizing facts, students at Quaker schools learn by doing. Whether they’re conducting science experiments, solving real-world problems, or working on group projects, they’re actively engaged in their education.

• Curiosity and Inquiry: Both Quaker and progressive approaches value asking questions over simply finding answers. Teachers act as guides, encouraging students to think critically, explore topics that interest them, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

• Personalized Learning: Every child is unique, and progressive Quaker schools honor that by creating learning experiences that cater to different strengths and needs. Small class sizes allow teachers to give each student individualized attention and support.

• Real-World Application: Students don’t just learn concepts—they apply them to real-world situations. This might involve service projects, environmental initiatives, or creative problem-solving activities that help students see how their education connects to the world around them.

  
  

United Friends School: Where These Principles Come to Life

At United Friends School (UFS), we’re proud to be the only Friends school in the area, offering students a unique opportunity to experience the best of Quaker and progressive education. For parents seeking more than just academics, we provide an environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to grow.

Here’s what you can expect when your child joins our community:

• A Supportive and Close-Knit Community: At UFS, your child will be part of a warm, inclusive community where every student is encouraged to be themselves and contribute their ideas. Our teachers are more than educators—they’re mentors who help guide students on their journey.

• A Balance of Structure and Freedom: Our classrooms are designed to spark curiosity and creativity while providing the structure needed for academic success. Students have the freedom to explore subjects that excite them while mastering core skills.

• Values-Driven Learning: Through activities like Meeting for Worship, service projects, and classroom discussions, students learn the importance of integrity, kindness, and social responsibility. They leave UFS with more than just knowledge—they leave with a strong moral foundation.

• Preparation for the Future: Whether your child dreams of becoming an artist, scientist, entrepreneur, or activist, our program equips them with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills they’ll need to succeed.

Experience the UFS Difference

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. At United Friends School, we understand that. Which is why we’re committed to providing an education that not only prepares students for academic success but also helps them become kind, compassionate leaders who make the world a better place.

If you’d like to see how our Quaker and progressive education can help your child grow, we invite you to schedule a visit and experience our community firsthand. Let’s work together to help your child shine.