Ready for the 2025–2026 School Year: How UFS Prepares with Intention, Inclusion, and Inspiration

At United Friends School, the work of preparing for a new school year begins well before our students return to campus. Although our first day of school is Tuesday, September 2nd, our faculty and staff have been deeply engaged throughout August, coming together with care and purpose to ensure that the school year ahead is grounded in connection, safety, and joyful learning. This year’s preparations reflect our ongoing commitment to being intentional in our planning, inclusive in our practices, and inspired in our vision.

Starting with Reflection: The Cheryl Irving Cultural Competency Institute

We began our work with the Cheryl Irving Cultural Competency Institute, a powerful session that encouraged our team to reflect on how inclusiveness and equity shape not only our classrooms but also the entire school experience. Together, we considered how to build learning environments where every student feels safe, valued, and seen. We engaged in meaningful conversations about bias, racial diversity, flexible teaching approaches, and the importance of continuous learning and humility in both teaching and collaboration.

Building Shared Agreements for a Stronger Community

As we continued our preparations, faculty gathered to reflect further on what we had learned and began applying those lessons to our plans for the year. We have created a set of shared faculty agreements that emphasize principles of trust, accountability, listening, honesty, and a commitment to equity as a collective responsibility. These agreements will guide how we work together as a team and how we interact with our students, families, and one another.

Honoring Tradition: Back-to-School Meeting for Worship

In the midst of this important work, we paused for a special community tradition: our Back-to-School Meeting for Worship. This late August gathering offered a moment of grounding and reflection for our entire school community. Faculty, families, and students came together to center ourselves in shared purpose and connection.

Following worship, we enjoyed conversation and ice cream, a joyful way to welcome new faces, reconnect with one another, and celebrate the start of the year.

Preparing for Safety and Well-Being

Our focus on student safety and well-being has been a central part of our preparations. All faculty and staff have completed CPR and First Aid certification, ensuring we are ready to respond to physical emergencies with care and competence. In addition, our team is becoming certified Mental Health First Aid responders, equipping us with the tools to recognize and support students who may be experiencing mental health challenges. This training reflects our commitment to supporting every child’s emotional and social well-being alongside their academic growth.

Collaborating Across Curriculum

Alongside these professional learning experiences, our faculty have devoted time to thoughtful curriculum planning. Teachers collaborated across all subject areas, including math, reading, science, social studies, and learning support, as well as co-curricular subjects such as art, music, Spanish, physical education, and library. These conversations help ensure that our students experience a rich, integrated, and developmentally appropriate program that nurtures both academic curiosity and creative expression.

Creating Welcoming Classrooms

Between collaborative meetings and trainings, teachers have also been joyfully preparing their classrooms, creating spaces that are welcoming, safe, and inspiring. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to help students feel at home and excited to learn from the moment they enter.

Looking Ahead with Joy

Now, as the final touches come together, we are eagerly anticipating the return of our students on Tuesday, September 2nd. With renewed purpose, meaningful preparation, and a strong sense of community, we are ready to begin a school year filled with learning, connection, and joy.

If you are looking for a school where your child will be truly known and valued, we’d love to meet you! Interested families are always welcome to schedule a visit, come meet our community, and experience the spirit of joyful learning that shapes each new year at UFS. Contact us today to schedule a tour.