Quaker Schools

[sonrisaa29]

I am wondering if anyone has experience with Quaker schools and what they thought about them...Any help would be great thanks

[Ellie'sMom]

I went to a quaker school from 7th-12th grade. There is so much variation from school to school. Is there something in particular you have questions about?

My school is very old (over 200 yrs old) and in some ways a very typical prep school...but with a peace-lovin' bent if that makes sense. Excellent academics, but somewhat high-pressure. Lots of discussion and awareness of social justice issues. I understand that many Quaker schools are far crunchier than the one I attended, with much less emphasis on grades.

I'm Quaker, fwiw, but most of my classmates were not, and apart from once weekly meeting for worship, the religious aspect was pretty minimal.

Let me know if there are any particular questions I can answer.

[FiddleMama]

I'm not Quaker but I plan to homeschool my children through 8th grade and then send them to day school at Scattergood Friends School.

I am very happy with the school's approach to learning and particularly how they nurture and care for these young people during a vulnerable developmental stage.

[sunanthem]

I did a little time at a Quaker boarding school in high school and at a Quaker college. I'm not Quaker myself, but the Quaker influence was really great; very open minded, socially and environmentally aware, believe in equality and very wise and intellectual learning was going on at the schools. I think they are a nice choice for schools.

[giggleball]

sunanthem -- are you a Guilford grad? (I ask b/c I am -- class of '94). To the OP... I went to a Quaker college and loved the philosophy -- no frats or sororities on campus, called your professors by their first names, passivists yet activists. I loved it and am considering sending our son to one for elementary school.

[UUMom]

I

[sunanthem]

Originally Posted by giggleball

sunanthem -- are you a Guilford grad? (I ask b/c I am -- class of '94). To the OP... I went to a Quaker college and loved the philosophy -- no frats or sororities on campus, called your professors by their first names, passivists yet activists. I loved it and am considering sending our son to one for elementary school.

yes, I did some time at Guilford, but never graduated. I would have beeen class of '02.

[umsami]

A few of my friends went to Friends schools and loved them. I just went to a "normal" private school and I think our academics were quite similar in level, but the school my friends attended included more cooperation/mediation type social skills which were totally not on the radar at my school. Not sure if that's standard or not, but that's what I remember. (It's been many many moons!)

[gottaknit]

How much religious instuction would you expect at the pre-school level? We're not Christian, and I'm considering a Quaker pre-school if DS doesn't get into the Montessori. DS has no idea who Jesus is, and I'd like to keep it that way as long as possible.

[quakerlady]

My daughter has had one year

at a quaker school (ssfs.org) and I just love it more as time goes on. Not sure what kind of info you're looking for, happy to answer questions

[wildflower_mama]

My son is in his third year at a Quaker Friends school and it is all I could have dreamed a school would be. They value and honor diversity and individuality but have strict rules against teasing, bullying, etc. The learning environment is very respectful to children (not just adults which is what I see elsewhere) and children are seen as active participants in the learning process. My son is a very sensitive little boy and he has blossomed with the love, respect, asnd passion his teachers all have. I wish I could go.

Regardign the religious aspect, we are Jewish. All they focus on is that There is God within all of us which although God is mentioned doesn't go against or religion at all. They go to Meeting for Worship and sing songs of peace (my son sings Tis a Gift quite a bit and I LOVE it).

We know Guilford well. :-)

[sunanthem]

Yay quaker schools!

[abitofcrunchmama]

I went to a friend's school for HS (George School). It was amazing experience-one which I cherish very much. I had a voice and my voice counted. It was truly the best place to come-to-age.

I could go on and on, so if you have any specific questions-please let me know.