Our Founding Story

School for Friends exists because of the cooperative efforts of parents, staff, members of the Friends Meeting of Washington (Quakers), and Church of the Pilgrims. In 1981, a small group of neighborhood parents and Quakers founded the Friendly Child Care Center, a one-room school at the Friends Meeting of Washington location (the name was later changed to School for Friends). With help from a grant from the Friends Meeting of Washington the program provided full and part-time care to children ages two through six years old. In the first year, we established our financial aid fund within the operating budget. The Board, staff, parents, and alum families have worked together to maintain a commitment to offering financial aid and providing competitive staff salaries and benefits. We have always encouraged a high level of parent engagement, and from the very beginning, we have offered a curriculum based on principles of Quaker educational philosophy. The staff incorporates the principles of nonviolence, equality, and cooperation into the daily curriculum.

There is a strong sense of community at School for Friends. Among the parents, several have returned with their second, third, and fourth children. We even have parents now who went to School for Friends as young children. Many alumni families remain involved through their contributions and participation in school events. Because parent involvement has been necessary and encouraged, parents have contributed their talents and time (and continue to do so).

In 1983 School for Friends received its non-profit status as an independent educational facility. As we became better established, our reputation as a high-quality early childhood education program grew. Responding to the interest and high demand, we expanded and School for Friends at Quaker House and Church of the Pilgrims operated as one school, in two locations. In 1984, we expanded from twenty-five families to sixty families, from five staff to fourteen staff, and from one classroom to three. In 1991, we added another classroom at Pilgrims. School for Friends launched a successful capital campaign, Small School, Big Future, which enabled us to expand our program, renovate our space, and secure our location at the Church of the Pilgrims. In 2016, we began the school year in six newly renovated classrooms, welcoming children ages 18 months through six years. In 2023, we extended our care to include children as young as 12 months, furthering our mission to better serve our community and families. It is our sincere hope that we will continue to serve our community and educate many more generations.