The Learning Environment
a.k.a The 3rd Teacher
There are six classrooms at School for Friends, each with 8–13 children, depending on age. Our classrooms with children under 2.5 years old have a 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio. Our PreK classes, which are mixed-age groups from 2.5–6 years old, have 2 teachers in each class and no more than 13 children.
All classrooms are bright, with natural light, and well-equipped, with everything that developing minds and bodies need to grow.
In each classroom, clearly defined interest areas — including Blocks, Dramatic Play, Manipulatives, Art, Reading, Discovery (science/sensory), and Music & Movement — are intentionally arranged to invite exploration and meaningful engagement.
Materials are thoughtfully selected and regularly rotated to reflect children's interests, developmental levels, and emerging investigations. Teachers support children in making independent choices as they explore the environment, offering guidance and extending learning through observation, open-ended questions, and meaningful interactions.
We also have an on-site outdoor space and playground that is a part of our learning environment. Our playground is equipped with a climbing structure, slides, a sandbox, balls, toys, tricycles, and more. We believe outdoor play and exploration are essential, and we spend time outside every day.
We often bring materials from inside the classroom outside to continue exploring, and we often bring the outside elements inside as well. We use natural materials as often as possible and encourage children to be curious learners in all spaces they inhabit. In addition to our building, we use our surrounding neighborhood as part of our extended learning environment, enjoying neighborhood walks, parks, playgrounds, and museums.
