Strong Minds. Kind Hearts.
Our Mission:
FOUNDED IN 1876 by Gideon Frost for "the children of Friends and those similarly sentimented, " Friends Academy is a Quaker, coeducational, independent, college-preparatory school for students age three through twelfth grade. Our philosophy is based in the principles of integrity, simplicity, patience, moderation, peaceful resolution of conflict, and a belief that the silence and simple ministry of the "gathered meeting" bring the presence of God into the midst of our busy lives. Friends is committed to developing a diverse community whose members value excellence in learning and growth in knowledge and skills. We are also committed to service and ethical action, and to an understanding that every life is to be explored, celebrated and enjoyed in the spirit of the Religious Society of Friends.
What are Quaker Values?
A Friends Academy education starts with the inner light - the fundamental belief, firmly rooted in our Quaker tradition, that there is truth and goodness in each person. We believe that each child carries unique gifts and talents which we seek to nurture and celebrate. We prepare our students to go into the world and do good work, to use their gifts generously for worthwhile goals. A Friends education helps children grow in mind, body, and spirit, and builds a firm foundation for full lives, well lived.
What exactly does it mean to be a Quaker school?
First and foremost, it means there are certain principles that go to the heart of everything we do - integrity, simplicity, justice, patience, moderation, respect for others, and the peaceful resolution of conflict. It means we are committed to doing work in service of others, on our campus, in the larger community, and beyond.
These things are as fundamental to every student's Friends education as anything they learn about history or literature or science. We come together as a caring community of learners that values the inherent worth of every person. We are a community that doesn't merely talk about the thing that are important to us; we live them, in how we treat each other, and how we engage the world around us.
Diversity at Friends
We believe each student is a valued individual with unique intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs. The Friends Academy community values the Quaker principles of equality, integrity, responsibility and mutual respect and is committed to developing well educated and engaged students in a respectful, positive and supportive environment. We value the diversity of students and families of different backgrounds, race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, family structure, economic background and faith traditions which contribute to a transformative education. We strive to help students work together in order to prepare them to be leaders in a diverse world and encourage them to model behavior based on tolerance and understanding. We seek to make Friends Academy a microcosm of the better world we hope to create.
Click here for a welcome from our Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, as well as important resources and upcoming events.
