Mission and Philosophy

FWS Mission

Friends Western School rests in the foundation provided by the Quaker belief that there is an inner light in each of us. This idea inspires the ethos of support, encouragement, respect and kindness that is evident at Friends Western. We seek diversity and welcome families of all faiths and no faith. 
  • Foster academic inquiry and learning through divergent thinking.
  • Encourage and honor each child’s individuality and unique gifts.
  • Prepare children to use their knowledge with creativity and compassion.
  • Nourish a diverse and engaged community of teachers, children and parents.
We felt strongly about having a balance between academics and enriched experiences that you don't find at a lot of schools but we did at FWS.  Both of my children LOVE their teachers and their teachers are deeply and personally dedicated to their learning.  Finding instructors this engaged began with the co-op founders and hasn't faltered from that mission.  I could not be more impressed or happier with my children’s' teachers."

FWS Philosophy

As a Quaker school, we are committed to the Quaker principles of peace, simplicity, integrity, community and equality. "Friends schools" (as Quaker schools are called) have a long history of combining hands-on, participatory learning with the gaining of practical knowledge. Believing that children learn best in an environment that promotes both industry and ingenuity, we encourage learning through inquiry, reflection and action.

There are 81 Friends schools in the United States as recognized by the Friends Council on Education, and we are honored to be one of them.
Read more about our history and structure 
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Friends Western School is committed to a diverse and open environment with families of all faiths and no faith. We foster mutual respect and exploration of our differences in order that our children will evolve and grow into young people with highly developed life skills, able to sustain complex thinking. Quakers value independence, integrity and curiosity and we follow a course that nurtures these traits in our children.

Quakers have long valued education and we are honored to be part of a heritage that includes Bryn Mawr College, Swarthmore College, Cornell University, Sidwell Friends and many other highly respected schools and universities. Friends Western School was founded in 2001 and is recognized by the Friends Council on Education. 

We hold the distinction of being the first cooperative Quaker school in the United States.