Quaker Education: What’s Different about a Friends School?

Published April 17, 2008
By Lynette Assarsson - Westtown School
 
While each Friends school has its own unique style and personality, they all have a common purpose: not only to provide a rich and challenging education but also to foster the ideals of community, spirituality, responsibility and stewardship. A hallmark of the Quaker school experience is the basic beliefs that we are all teachers and learners and that each child has unique gifts and talents. Students are called upon to discover their own voices and interests within the framework of rigorous, college-preparatory academics.  The foundation of the educational experience is built upon the ideal that students’ quality of character – what kind of people they are becoming – is as important to their lives and to the world as their intellectual growth and exploration.
 
Because a Quaker education endeavors to be a socially responsible one, Friends schools’ curricula emphasize service, social action and experiential learning. Can an education be socially responsible and academically rigorous at the same time? Educators in Friends schools believe that one is not developed at the expense of the other; instead, they work in tandem to prepare students for college and for life. 
 
How do students learn community, responsibility and stewardship?  By living it! The Quaker belief of the “Inner Light” or that of God in each of us creates an atmosphere of tolerance and openness. Students are led by example not only to respect the perspectives and talents of others in the community, but also to learn from them. Friends schools campuses are culturally, religiously, racially and socio-economically diverse and are deeply enriched by this diversity. A Friends school education is not limited to campus life, but is enhanced by getting out into the local community for service projects or traveling to far-off places like China or Peru to learn a language or build a school. This focus on preparing students to be citizens of the world is a unique feature of all Friends schools and reflects the heart of Quaker principles.  Friends schools have a deep commitment to environmental sustainability and you will find eco-friendly policies being put into practice, not just talked about. 
 
The best way to understand why Quaker education is unique, is to understand the basic principles of the faith itself – the ones from which all Friends schools receive their inspiration and guidance. You have to ask this question: 
 
What is Quakerism anyway?
 
Quakers reject the idea of creeds but do agree on certain principles that guide the Society of Friends. 
 
*There is that of God, or the “Inner Light,” in all people.
*Through this personal, direct relationship with God the Truth can be revealed
*Divine Truth cannot be confined by creed
*God’s creation must be respected and preserved; we are stewards of the earth
*Faith should be evident in daily actions – a way of life.
 
What are Quaker testimonies?   
 
Simplicity. Peace. Integrity. Community. Equality.
 
As a result of acting on these basic principles and testimonies, Quakers became known as champions of progressive social movements: pacifism, abolitionism, the equality of men and women, humane treatment for prisoners and the mentally ill, the eradication of poverty—and, education.
 
Do I have to be a Quaker to go to a Friends School?
 
No! Futhermore, Quaker schools do not seek to convert others to the Friends religion. Quakers do no proselytize. In fact, they deeply value a religiously diverse atmosphere: at most Friends schools Quakers make up only a small portion of the student body. Students gather for Meeting for Worship (what you might call ‘chapel’ elsewhere) and sit in silence. All those present are welcomed to stand and speak if they feel so moved or inspired. There is no minister or sermon. It is through this quiet reflection and communal sharing that people of all faith traditions can worship together. 
 
Want to explore a Quaker School yourself? 
 
We invite you to challenge your mind and nourish your spirit. Friends schools offer preparation for the whole of life: intellectual exploration, spiritual growth, social responsibility. Westtown School, the oldest co-educational Quaker boarding school in the country, has been providing a spirited Quaker education since 1799. We continue to provide a rich and varied curriculum embedded in and informed by Quaker principles in the 21st century. We invite students to participate in essential education: thoughtful, thorough preparation for college; the discovery and use of individual voice and gifts; an active and informed sense of social responsibility; exploration of the Spirit and the experience of living and learning in a diverse community of equals – everything that matters most. Visit our website at www.westtown.edu to learn more. 
 
For information about Quaker education and to see a listing of Friends schools in the United States, browse this website or visit the Friends Council on Education website at www.friendscouncil.org.  


{"http://www.boardingschoolreview.com/articles/10":{"data":[]}}

View Related Choosing a School Articles:

  • 5 Common Myths About Military Schools
    Military schools seem to go in and out of favor with the general public. Perhaps that has to do with some rather common misconceptions about what military schools are and how they operate. Let's take a look.
  • 5 Reasons to Choose a Boys' School
    We have been hearing a lot about the benefits of single sex education recently. Here are five reasons why you should consider choosing a boys' school for your son.
  • 5 Reasons To Choose a Girls' School
    There is a body of research which suggests that girls do learn differently from boys. So, if that is the case, maybe you should consider a girls' school for your daughter instead of sending her off to a coed school. Here are some points to ponder.
  • 5 Reasons to Choose a Junior Boarding School
    A junior boarding school offers certain distinct advantages for the middle school aged student. Here are five reasons why you should consider choosing this option for your child.
  • 5 Steps for Choosing a Boarding School
    Choosing a boarding school involves several steps. We guide you through the process and offer advice and help.
  • 5 Reasons to Start Your School Search Early
    Allowing 18 months for your school search process has many benefits. Here are five reasons why it is a good idea so to do.
  • Benefits of a Small Boarding School
    Learn about the benefits of a small boarding school.
  • Choosing a School: Comparing Schools
    Use a spreadsheet to develop your initial list of schools. Here's how.
  • Considering a U.S. Arts Program?
    "If the arts are part of your interests and your passion, you should research each school’s available offerings. Spend time reading the school’s literature and visiting its website..." Brought to you by Boarding Schools in the USA
  • Girls' School Graduates Have an Edge
    Exciting new research shows that a girls' boarding school can offer your daughter many advantages.
  • I Can't Find Any Rankings!
    This cry is heard throughout the land as parents try desperately to compare one boarding school against another.
  • Looking at Schools
    "Do you like large schools or small schools? Are you most comfortable in a city, small town or countryside? Are you interested in attending a school that has a religious or military orientation? Would you like to attend a school that is only for boys or girls? These are some questions you must ask yourself before you begin your search for the right U.S. boarding school for you..." Brought to you by Boarding Schools in the USA
  • Recruitment Fairs
    North American boarding schools regularly send admissions staff overseas to hold recruitment fairs in your area.
  • Schools for Students with Learning Disabilities
    How to deal with a child who has a learning disability.
  • Using an Educational Consultant
    An education consultant knows schools. Like any professional he has vast experience in and knowledge of his chosen field.
  • What About Canadian Schools?
    Canadian boarding schools have a lot going for them. Great value, location in a foreign but friendly neighboring country, English speaking, fine academics, all kinds of sporting activities besides hockey and skiing and much more.
  • What Is Being Taught?
    You need to know what is being taught before you decide which boarding school is best for you.
  • Why a Progressive School?
    Sending your son or daughter to a progressive school sounds like a real leap of faith. It is, that is, until you look more closely at the kind of education your child will receive. Then you will understand the idealism in action which progressive schools embody.

All Categories:

RSS/XML Feed RSS
Article Categories
Most Recent
Most Popular
About Boarding School
Admissions
Choosing a School
Common Questions
Teaching
Paying For It