Business Details
25 Years
experience
Quaker-Inspired Cooperative Elementary School in Pasadena
Friends Western School is an independent, cooperative elementary school rooted in Quaker educational principles. Founded in 2001, we prioritize small class sizes capped at 17 students, fostering social-emotional growth and inquiry-based learning. Our curriculum integrates Quaker values such as peace, integrity, and stewardship, while maintaining a student-centered approach. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), we emphasize community collaboration through our cooperative structure, where families and educators jointly shape school policies.Our programs include weekly art, music, and Spanish classes, monthly Exploration Days, and partnerships with local organizations like Friends In Deed. We serve students in mixed-grade classrooms (K/1, 2/3, 4/6) and offer after-school care until 5:15 PM.
Services
Elementary Education
Cooperative Learning
Quaker Values Curriculum
After School Care
Exploration Days
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- Small classes capped at 17 students for personalized attention
- Inquiry-based learning rooted in Quaker educational principles
- Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Cooperative structure involving families in school governance
- Weekly art, music, Spanish classes, and monthly Exploration Days
Associations and certifications
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Services
Elementary Education
Friends Western School offers a Quaker-inspired elementary education for grades K-6. Our mixed-grade classrooms (K/1, 2/3, 4/6) emphasize inquiry-based learning and social-emotional development. Students engage in weekly art, music, and Spanish classes while benefiting from personalized attention in classes capped at 17 students.
Cooperative Learning
Our cooperative structure involves families and educators in school governance and daily operations. Parents participate in classroom activities and decision-making while professional teachers deliver curriculum focused on student-led inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world connections aligned with Quaker educational principles.
Quaker Values Curriculum
The curriculum integrates Quaker values including simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. Students learn conflict resolution through restorative justice practices and develop empathy through service projects with organizations like Friends In Deed, addressing community needs through hands-on engagement.
After School Care
After-school care is available from 3:00 PM to 5:15 PM for a fee. The program provides supervised activities and homework support while maintaining alignment with our educational philosophy of collaborative learning and community engagement.
Exploration Days
Monthly Exploration Days combine outdoor education and cultural experiences. Activities include nature preserve visits, museum trips, and annual camping excursions to Southern California State Parks, reinforcing classroom learning through hands-on environmental and cultural exploration.
Questions
Is Friends Western School accredited?
Yes, we are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), reflecting our commitment to academic excellence and innovative learning.
What are class sizes at Friends Western School?
Each mixed-grade classroom (K/1, 2/3, 4/6) is capped at 17 students to ensure personalized attention and collaborative learning opportunities.
Does the school offer after-school programs?
Yes, we provide after-school care until 5:15 PM for a fee, including supervised activities and homework support aligned with our educational philosophy.
What Quaker values are emphasized in the curriculum?
We emphasize SPICES values: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship through inquiry-based learning and community service projects.
Are there opportunities for parent involvement?
Yes, our cooperative structure encourages parent participation in classroom activities, governance, and school events, with flexible options for family engagement.
What extracurricular activities are available?
We offer weekly art, music, and Spanish classes, monthly Exploration Days, Park Days, and annual student performance events including a Talent Show.
Reviews (2)
Steve Allison
Nov 18, 2015
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We are new parents to FWS this year with a son in K and a daughter in 3rd grade. The school is a co-op and can be hard work but the payoff is incredibly happy kids. Our son had a few tough experiences in his short life and always complained about be separated from the family, he didnt like pre-school he even complained about going to summer camps. Hes a happy little guy now. Loves going to school, loves his teacher and new friends. The variety in the weekly schedule keeps our son engaged: theater, music, yoga, clubs, trips to the local park, monthly hikes and field trips. The small class
Emily Marrin
Aug 30, 2015
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We just started at FWS, with a son in kindergarten and a daughter in the third grade. While we understood that it was a co-op, I don't think my husband and I realized how much work would be involved. But all the hard work is so worth it, with the payoff being incredibly happy and engaged kids. Our ultra academically-inclined daughter found herself bored in her previous LAUSD school, which serviced thousands of kids. Still, we were worried that the size of FWS (with about 50 students total, across four classrooms) would be a huge culture shock for her. As it turns out, she loves the new environment
