FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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+ What type of school is FWS?
We are a Quaker cooperative private elementary school, K through 5th grade. + How big are your classes and how do you group children? Class sizes are small, capped at 15 students per class. We group children based on their development. We have three classes of mixed grades ranging from K-5. We encourage interaction between students of all ages. + How is your school year structured? We have three terms and a ten-month schedule with 6 weeks of breaks throughout the year. + How many teachers do you have? We have two full- time classroom teachers, two assistant teachers, and two administrators who serve half days in the classroom (K/1). All of our classroom teachers are highly skilled and experienced. + What other classes and activities do you offer? All students receive weekly instruction by specialty teachers in art, music, and Spanish. There is a weekly physical education day at Villa Park, with structured games and sports. Hikes and field trips are an important part of our curriculum. We have monthly community lunches. Students have Quaker meeting once a week in the historic Orange Grove Meeting House. + How do you evaluate your students? There is no standardized testing at FWS. Students are evaluated through regular informal assessments, observations and performance tasks. Teachers produce detailed progress reports that contain both a narrative and checklist component two times a year and meet with parents regularly to discuss each student’s learning progress and goals. + How are parents involved in the school? Families are not required to volunteer in the classroom but we do require active participation in operating and supporting the school structure. Many parents do volunteer to lead activities like gardening, baking, or making crafts. + Is there an after-school program? Yes there is a five day a week program that runs from 3:15 - 5:15 PM. + Do you offer financial support? We allocate a substantial portion of our budget to need-based financial aid. Admissions are need-blind. + Are you affiliated with any educational institution? We are a member school of Friends Council on Education. They provide support and resources to our faculty and board. + Are donations to FWS tax deductible? Friends Western School is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, so contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our EIN is 91-2167100. |
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Non Discrimination Policy
Friends Western School (FWS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. FWS policy also prohibits sexual harassment. This non-discrimination policy covers employment as well as admission and access to FWS membership, programs and activities.
Friends Western School (FWS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. FWS policy also prohibits sexual harassment. This non-discrimination policy covers employment as well as admission and access to FWS membership, programs and activities.