Business Details
Nurturing Lifelong Learners in a Joyful, Inclusive Community
At Friends Community School, we are dedicated to nurturing lifelong learners, courageous risk-takers, and joyous peacemakers. Our school provides a purposeful and joyful educational environment that engages students from early childhood through adolescence. Located on a 17-acre wooded campus adjacent to Greenbelt National Park in College Park, MD, we prioritize small class sizes, a diverse and inclusive community, and a curriculum centered on inquiry-based and hands-on learning. With an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio, we ensure personalized attention and foster deep connections among students, educators, and families. Our graduates transition successfully to rigorous independent, parochial, and public magnet schools in the greater Washington, DC area.We uphold Quaker values of community, integrity, and service, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and embracing individual strengths. Our commitment to educating the whole child prepares students to think critically, act compassionately, and engage meaningfully in the world. Over four decades of experience inform our approach, blending progressive education with a strong academic foundation. We strive to cultivate a lifelong love of learning and empower students to use their voices confidently and kindly.
Services
Lower School Academics
Middle School Academics
Financial Aid Programs
Admissions Guidance
Community Engagement
Highlights and features
- We offer an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio for personalized learning.
- Our diverse and inclusive community fosters belonging and individual growth.
- Curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based and hands-on learning for critical thinking.
- Located on 17 wooded acres adjacent to Greenbelt National Park for experiential education.
- Quaker values guide our commitment to service, integrity, and community building.
What people say
Nurturing environment
Strong sense of community
Encourages personal growth
Values kindness unconditionally
Prepares students for future success
Services
Lower School Academics
Our Lower School program cultivates foundational academic skills through inquiry-based learning and hands-on exploration. Students engage in collaborative projects, develop critical thinking, and build social-emotional competencies in a supportive environment. The curriculum integrates Quaker values, environmental stewardship, and creative problem-solving to prepare children for lifelong learning.
Middle School Academics
Middle School emphasizes intellectual rigor and personal growth through a student-centered curriculum. Courses challenge learners to analyze complex issues, communicate effectively, and apply knowledge to real-world contexts. Small class sizes foster individualized attention, while interdisciplinary projects promote curiosity and leadership in a nurturing community.
Financial Aid Programs
We offer need-based financial aid to ensure accessibility for families committed to our mission. The process prioritizes equity and transparency, with 39% of students currently receiving assistance. Our goal is to build a socioeconomically diverse community where all students thrive through shared learning experiences and mutual respect.
Admissions Guidance
Our admissions team provides personalized guidance for families exploring enrollment. Prospective families can attend open houses, schedule campus visits, and access resources to understand our Quaker values and academic philosophy. We prioritize building relationships to ensure alignment between family goals and our educational approach.
Community Engagement
We foster a collaborative community through volunteer opportunities, parent associations, and events that strengthen school-family partnerships. Programs like Grandfriends Day and Parent-to-Parent Connection evenings deepen relationships, creating a supportive network that enriches student experiences and reinforces our values of belonging and service.
Questions
What makes Friends Community School unique?
Our Quaker values, 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and inquiry-based curriculum emphasize whole-child education, environmental stewardship, and community building in a diverse setting.
What grades does FCS serve?
We educate students from early childhood through 8th grade, with programs specifically designed for Lower School (ages 3-10) and Middle School (grades 6-8).
How does FCS support student diversity?
39% of students receive financial aid, and our inclusive community actively celebrates varied backgrounds through curriculum and events that honor individual strengths.
What happens during a typical school day?
Days include core academics, arts, physical education, and community meetings. The schedule balances structured learning with hands-on projects and outdoor exploration on our 17-acre campus.
How does FCS prepare students for future schools?
Our graduates transition successfully to rigorous independent, parochial, and public magnet schools, equipped with critical thinking skills, confidence, and a commitment to service.
Are there extracurricular activities available?
Beyond classroom learning, students participate in service projects, environmental initiatives, and community events that reinforce our values of engagement and peacemaking.
Videos
