Curriculum & Philosophy
School for Friends is a Quaker School with a play-based, child-led, emergent curriculum. Our educators thoughtfully design engaging environments and set up open-ended invitations that encourage children to explore, create, and learn through hands-on experiences.
Teachers closely observe each child, using their interests as a foundation to guide developmentally appropriate challenges and opportunities for growth. We incorporate The Creative Curriculum as one of our core resources for planning and observation, helping us stay responsive and intentional in our approach. Above all, we prioritize building a warm, inclusive, and loving community because we believe children thrive and learn best when they feel truly safe, seen, and supported.
Our curriculum organically weaves the following learning areas into the children's daily experience. We believe that learning happens throughout the day, and that children at this age are developing skills in a multitude of ways and through every encounter.
- Social-Emotional
- Physical (Fine & Gross Motor)
- Language
- Cognitive
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- The Arts
Goals of Our Developmentally Appropriate Program
- 1.To have children learn through the experience of involvement with other people and their environment, including field trips, community engagement, ample outdoor physical play, and conversations with teachers and friends during play.
- 2.To foster social development through learning to negotiate, take turns, and make friends.
- 3.To provide a structured day with a balance of active and quiet play, allowing and encouraging choice.
- 4.To have children learn skills in problem solving through allowing autonomy and encouraging thinking.
- 5.To provide a positive experience as a basis for future education.
What We Aim to Provide Children & Families
- Children will experience growth and learning in their social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development.
- In keeping with our Quaker values, the children will be able to relate to, respect, and work with people different from themselves. Children's social skills will develop through learning to negotiate, take turns, and make friends. Children will be able to resolve conflict using non-violent techniques and be well on the pathway toward becoming peacemakers in the larger world.
- Children will develop not only a positive attitude but also positive approaches toward learning, including problem-solving skills and resilience, as a result of their experiences at School for Friends.
- Families will feel supported in their parenting and learn to participate in their child's educational experiences.