Friends Community School is a coeducational private Quaker traditional school for students in grades Kindergarten through 8.
Friends Community School offers a progressive, Quaker education to students in grades K-8. We nurture life-long learners, courageous risk-takers and joyous peacemakers. We welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds, and offer developmentally appropriate, experiential, project-based, inter-disciplinary, and vigorous curricula.
OPEN HOUSES 2015-16 All: 9:00 (sharp) -- 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, October 6; Saturday, November 7; Thursday, November 19; Friday, December 4; Saturday, January 9; Thursday, January 14. Call 301-441-2100.
FRIENDS COMMUNITY SCHOOL
At Friends Community School, young people become active learners, independent thinkers, problem solvers, respectful teammates, peacemakers, and engaged citizens. Our green, Silver LEED-Certified building, and 17 acre campus adjacent to Greenbelt National Park, embody our commitment to environmental stewardship and education. FCS is inclusive, values diversity, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.
ACADEMIC PHILOSOPHY
We teach using a progressive, child-centered instructional philosophy. Our goal is to meet each child in his/her stage of development, and proceed to guide and empower his/her growth. We balance academic with physical and social learning. Our curriculum includes language arts, math, science, social studies, Spanish, art, music, performing arts, physical education, technology, community-building, and community service. Environmental education is integrated throughout the curriculum.
METHODS
We create an atmosphere in which children learn to work independently and cooperatively. We challenge our students to question, explore, reflect, reason, and communicate effectively. We do so by using varied teaching methods and incorporating many hands-on activities. Field trips are integral to the curriculum, exposing children to rich learning environments that cannot be duplicated in the classroom.
We teach our students in small, two-grade groupings from grades 1-4. Such groupings allow a student to progress at his/her own pace, doing more advanced work in areas of strength and less advanced work in areas of challenge, and minimize transition time on the fall. The curriculum changes each of the two years so students master new content as well as new skills.
In grades 5-8, students are taught by subject-dedicated teachers, as befits their academic abilities and needs. Each student has an Advisor for consultation and oversight. In grades 7 and 8, students select among art, music, and technology electives.
FCS offers Extended Day, Enrichment, and Musical Instrument Programs. We also offer popular Summer Specialty Camps.
COMMUNITY
Energized students, dynamic and experienced faculty, expert administrators, active parents, and dedicated alumni comprise the FCS school community. In addition, we value our partnerships with Greenbelt National Park, the University of Maryland, NASA, the Smithsonian, the Chesapeake Bay Trust and Foundation, local governments, local businesses, non-profits, service groups and individuals who share our commitment to education and the environment.
HIGH SCHOOLS
High Schools attended by FCS Graduates include...Barrie, Bishop McNamara, Blair, Blake, Bullis, DeMatha, Duke Ellington, Edmund Burke, Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Field, Friends School of Baltimore, Georgetown Day, Gonzaga, Good Counsel, Holton Arms, Holy Cross, Indian Creek, Key, Maret, Palotti, Parkmont, St. Alban's, St. Andrew's, St. Anselm's Abbey, St. John's College High School, Sandy Spring Friends, School Without Walls, and Sidwell Friends, among others.
OUR STUDENTS...
love to learn, know how to learn, communicate well both verbally and in writing, are responsible local and global citizens, are empowered to do their individual best, and move on to leading high schools area-wide.
Our mission is to nurture life-long learners, courageous risk-takers, and joyous peacemakers. We encourage young people to discover "that of God" within themselves and others, and to reach their fullest potential as individuals and contributing members of society.
Private schools, including parochial and boarding, are funded through tuition and fees. The cost varies from school to school, but most families pay tuition to attend them. Many private schools offer financial aid or discounts, so it's worthwhile to ask about these options.
Academic Calendar: Year
| Total Enrollment | 237 |
|---|---|
| Student Teacher Ratio | 8 : 1 |
Other school associations
Want more info about Friends Community School? Get free advice from education experts and Noodle community members.
Private School Universe Survey provides data on the composition and characteristics of private schools' students and staff.
Private School Review provides free, detailed profiles of USA private day schools and their surrounding communities.
