Not Ready for a Five-Day Preschool Schedule? A Playgroup Might Be the Perfect Fit!

The transition to preschool is a significant milestone—not just for children but for parents, too. While some families are ready for a five-day preschool environment, others might find this schedule overwhelming at first. A gentler, part-time introduction, such as a playgroup, can often be a perfect fit.

Why Choose a Playgroup?

A part-time preschool option can provide the right balance of structured learning and free exploration without causing overstimulation or fatigue. At United Friends School (UFS), we've observed firsthand how a flexible, three-day Playgroup schedule helps ease this important transition, providing a positive and nurturing start to your child's educational journey.

Our 3-day preschool program offers a balanced learning experience without the full-time commitment. Meeting on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., this schedule allows your child to explore and grow in a play-based environment while leaving plenty of time at home for rest, recharging, and family activities.

How Playgroup Works at United Friends School

The Power of Play-Based Learning

Play-based learning is at the heart of our Playgroup program, deeply rooted in early childhood education research. Children learn best by actively engaging their senses and imagination through play. Our curriculum emphasizes creative activities, hands-on exploration, and social interaction, allowing children to naturally develop critical cognitive, emotional, and social skills.

Supporting Social and Emotional Growth

Early education isn't just about academics; it's about building emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. At UFS, children benefit from smaller group sizes and individualized attention, creating a supportive space for practicing empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation. Early exposure to community-building activities helps foster confident, compassionate individuals.

Progressive Education: Fostering Lifelong Learners

As a progressive Quaker school, UFS integrates essential values such as peace, community, and respect for others into daily routines. Our project-based learning approach encourages students to deeply explore topics that interest them, fostering curiosity and critical thinking skills that last a lifetime.

Children in our Playgroup experience many of the same activities and lessons as their full-time peers, benefiting from our rich curriculum in a more manageable timeframe.

Learning Beyond Classroom Walls

A distinctive feature of UFS’s early education programs is our commitment to outdoor learning. Nature provides abundant opportunities for exploration and growth. Our outdoor spaces allow students to investigate the natural world firsthand, nurturing a deeper connection with their environment and enhancing their overall educational experience.

Is a Playgroup Right for Your Child?

Choosing the best educational path for your child can feel daunting. If you're considering a part-time option, UFS Playgroup offers a gentle yet enriching experience tailored to meet each child's individual needs.

Applications are now open for September 2025. Curious to Learn More?

If you’re wondering whether Playgroup might be the right first step for your child, we’d love to invite you to our upcoming Open House. It’s a great opportunity to meet our teachers, explore our classrooms and outdoor spaces, and see how Playgroup supports young children in a nurturing, play-based environment.

We’d be happy to answer any questions and help you get a feel for what makes United Friends School a special place to begin your child’s educational journey.

Open House Date: May 6, 2025

📍 Location: United Friends School 1018 W Broad Street Quakertown, PA

Don't forget to RSVP and select a time slot based on your child’s grade level:

🕒 Schedule:

Preschool and Playgroup: 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Transitional Kindergarten through 3rd Grade: 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Upper Elementary (4th–5th Grade): 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Middle School (6th–8th Grade): 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM

Please note that this event is for adults only and specifically for prospective families who are not yet enrolled at the school.