Business Details
Welcome to Friends Community School
Friends Community School is a purposeful and joyful educational institution rooted in Quaker values, dedicated to nurturing lifelong learners, courageous risk-takers, and joyous peacemakers. Founded on principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, our progressive approach emphasizes inquiry-based and hands-on learning within a supportive community. With small class sizes and a 17-acre campus adjacent to Greenbelt National Park, we cultivate academic excellence while fostering spiritual and emotional growth. Our curriculum integrates intellectual rigor with moral development, empowering students to embrace challenges and collaborate effectively. The schools relational approach builds deep connections between students and teachers, ensuring personalized attention and a sense of belonging.As a K-8 institution, we prioritize childhood development while preparing students for success in high school and beyond. Our graduates matriculate to rigorous independent, parochial, and public magnet schools across the Washington, DC area. The schools commitment to Quaker principlessuch as recognizing the divine spark in every individualshapes its conflict resolution practices and community-building efforts. Located in College Park, MD, we serve families from Prince Georges County, Montgomery County, DC, and surrounding regions. Through experiential learning and a focus on active reflection, we equip students with the skills to navigate an ever-changing world with curiosity and integrity.
Services
Lower School Academics
Middle School Academics
Experiential Learning
Financial Aid Programs
Community Engagement
Highlights and features
- We offer a Quaker-rooted progressive education emphasizing inquiry-based and hands-on learning.
- Our 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention and deep student-teacher connections.
- We cultivate lifelong learners through a curriculum integrating academic rigor with moral development.
- Our 17-acre campus adjacent to Greenbelt National Park enhances experiential learning opportunities.
- We prepare students for success in high school and beyond through social-emotional skill development.
What people say
Nurturing environment
Diverse community
Experiential learning
Strong teacher connections
Values-based education
Services
Lower School Academics
Our Lower School program provides a foundation in core academic subjects through inquiry-based learning. Small class sizes allow personalized attention, fostering curiosity and collaboration. Students engage in hands-on projects that integrate critical thinking and creativity.
Middle School Academics
Middle School curriculum emphasizes advanced academic rigor while nurturing social-emotional growth. Students explore specialized subjects through experiential learning, preparing for high school challenges. Leadership opportunities develop confidence and responsibility.
Experiential Learning
Learning extends beyond classrooms through outdoor education and field trips. The 17-acre campus and proximity to Greenbelt National Park provide natural laboratories for scientific exploration and environmental stewardship.
Financial Aid Programs
We offer need-based financial aid to ensure accessibility for diverse families. Approximately 39% of students receive assistance, reflecting our commitment to socioeconomic inclusion and equitable education opportunities.
Community Engagement
Parent associations and volunteer programs strengthen school-family partnerships. Events like Grandfriends Day and Parent-to-Parent Connection Evenings foster a collaborative, inclusive community environment.
People
Rachel Kane
Head of School
Rachel Kane leads Friends Community School with a focus on Quaker values and progressive education. She emphasizes inquiry-based learning, community building, and holistic student development in her leadership approach.
Questions
What educational philosophy guides Friends Community School?
We combine Quaker values with progressive education, emphasizing inquiry-based learning, diversity, and holistic development of students' academic, social, and emotional skills.
What grade levels does FCS serve?
FCS offers a K-8 program, providing a continuous educational experience from kindergarten through middle school graduation.
How does FCS support student diversity and inclusion?
We maintain a 39% financial aid rate, implement inclusive curriculum practices, and foster community through Quaker principles of equality and respect for all individuals.
What happens after students graduate from FCS?
Graduates matriculate to rigorous independent, parochial, and public magnet high schools in the Washington, DC area, well-prepared for academic and personal success.
What is the student-teacher ratio at FCS?
Our 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention and strong relationships between students and educators across all grade levels.
How does FCS incorporate environmental education?
Our 17-acre campus adjacent to Greenbelt National Park provides natural learning opportunities through outdoor classrooms and environmental stewardship projects.
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Reviews (2)
Jonah Witte
Nov 25, 2018
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I'm in 7th grade at FCS and I've been here since first grade. I really love how tight-knit the community is, and what a wide range of interests and people the school has. The curriculum is interesting and challenging, but the teachers are supportive and often use fun and unique teaching methods.
Kathy Rodeffer
Sep 04, 2018
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I have two daughters that have attended this school. One is currently a high achieving 11tg grader in a private high school and the other is in 8th grade here. This is a wonderful place for children and families that want to partner with a school in the educational process.we are a real community! High expectations and high achievement are ever present in this school that embraces justice and tolerance for all people.
