For students to really shine and get the most out of their education, their school needs to both support and challenge them. So much of education comes from outside of textbooks and cannot be written succinctly on a whiteboard. The bottom line is that a positive and supportive community and culture are critical to building a strong foundation for academic and personal success.
Navigating the vast sea of educational choices can feel overwhelming for any parent. So, how do you start your research to understand private school culture?
We're here to shed light on this topic, offering guidance on identifying signs of an enriching student culture and debunking common myths about private schooling. We will share key indicators of an exceptional student environment and address the lasting value of a private Quaker education.
Why does a positive school culture matter? Shouldn’t a good student be a good student anywhere?
For students to get the most out of their education, they need to be in a place that is supporting both their academic growth and their growth as people. This means developing emotionally, making friends, and even staying healthy. In the right environment, students learn to think for themselves, share their thoughts openly, and build strong connections with others.
It turns out that students actually do better in school when they feel like they’re part of a supportive community. A friendly and encouraging atmosphere can make learning more enjoyable and can help students bounce back from challenges. When students feel included, they’re more likely to get involved and enjoy their studies.
Being part of a positive school culture enables students to pick up important skills for life, like how to lead successfully, work well with others, understand different perspectives, and communicate clearly. These skills are fostered through intentional student engagement and collaborative activities.
Feeling like you are part of something, like you really belong, can make a significant difference in student motivation and involvement. Feeling welcome, respected, and valued helps build a strong connection that can make school a better experience all around.
Finding a place where the student culture is both welcoming and enriching is not just nice to have, it’s a must-have.
There are plenty of misunderstandings and misconceptions about private schools, both in popular culture and communities. These are our most frequently fielded concerns and the reality of the educational experience at Friends Academy.
Misconception 1: Private schools are only for the elite and privileged.
Reality: Friends Academy has a diverse student body and strives to create inclusive communities by providing various financial aid options to accommodate students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
Misconception 2: Private schools are academically overwhelming and stressful.
Reality: While rigorous, Friends Academy provides a strong support system to help students manage their workload and stress levels.
Misconception 3: Private school students are isolated from the real world.
Reality: Friends Academy encourages community involvement and has programs that connect students with the world beyond the campus, from local neighbors to global partners.
Misconception 4: Private schools stifle creativity in favor of strict traditional learning.
Reality: Friends Academy offers an innovative curriculum like play-based learning at the early childhood level and the robotics team in upper school, encouraging creativity and critical thinking.
Additional Reading: 4 Reasons Parents Choose Private Schools vs. Public Schools
While we cannot speak for every educational experience, our mission and values are rooted in Quakerism and positively influence our culture. This culture is embedded in every aspect of our community, from the way we design our curriculum to how we engage with each other daily.
Below, you will find the integral components that contribute to the rich and nurturing culture at Friends Academy.
Children face challenges and opportunities every day. The Friends Academy classroom is a place for intellectual engagement and the cultivation of curiosity and reflection. Our Quaker principles resonate through our approach to scholarship, encouraging students, from the inquisitive preschooler to the complex-thinking high schooler, to deeply ponder academic questions.
The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, ensuring students emerge not just well-informed but with an ingrained love for lifelong learning. The value of a comprehensive education stretches beyond scholarly achievement. It taps into the unique potential within each student.
At Friends Academy, toddlers find joy and purpose in play-based learning, lower school students plant the seeds of discovery, middle schoolers engage in meaningful and parallel service-learning projects, and high school students undertake reflective practices within their classes. These experiences are delicately intertwined with Quaker values, enhancing the overall culture of strong—and intentional—academic achievements.
Equity lies at the heart of Quakerism, and Friends Academy echoes this tenet through our thoughtfully designed systems. Our classrooms are vibrant and varied, reflecting the backgrounds and perspectives that influence each student. Our youngest students are taught the language and meaning of inclusivity early on, and the older students lead by example in fostering a culture of respect and connection.
Recognizing that every student's journey is unique, Friends Academy mirrors the Quaker commitment to care. From nurturing kindergartners' first steps of independence to guiding seniors through the complexities of college applications, the school's mentorship programs and counseling services provide a safety net, ensuring that children feel seen, heard, and supported.
We strive to promote and encourage a community that supports the unique qualities of its individual members.
Community is not just a buzzword at Friends Academy. It is the lived philosophy of shared experiences and connections. Our belief in unity, support, and fellowship enables us to successfully blend both personal and communal needs. Together, we achieve our fullest potential for learning and living.
“Our kids always felt seen and loved at Friends Academy. [...] Someone recently said it best: They can always spot a Friends Academy kid because they're confident, emotionally intelligent, kind, and thoughtful.” — FA Parent
Students can freely express themselves in art or music, discover new passions, and cultivate leadership skills within a framework that cherishes personal growth and the joy of exploration.
Understanding and embracing school culture is fundamental to nurturing an environment where students thrive not only academically but as well-rounded, empathetic, and engaged individuals.
In contrast to common misconceptions about private schools, Friends Academy is dedicated to creating an enriching and diverse culture—welcoming students from all walks of life and into a supportive and challenging educational atmosphere. The real-life benefits of a positive school culture extend far beyond the classroom. They impart lessons in leadership, collaboration, resilience, and creativity, laying the foundation for students to become active, confident, and compassionate members of society.
If you’re curious about the impact Friends Academy could have on your child’s life, share your information below with our admission team. We are eager to get in touch and help you find the best option for your child.