Welcome to Our School Community
We are a Pre-K through 8th grade school, guided and inspired by the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. For nearly 40 years, families in State College and surrounding areas have chosen our small, independent school for its nurturing, inclusive culture, and reputation for hands-on, deep learning. In this unique school community students become successful learners who are confident, creative, and compassionate; ready to use their big ideas and values to help make the world a better place. We lovingly challenge and support our students to become strong academically, to develop responsible independence, and to appreciate the value of service to others. As we nurture the light in every child, we strive to help each one develop confidence, imagination, compassion, and hope. Learn More . . . Curious about whether Friends School may be the right fit for your child? Come for a visit any Walk-through Wednesday (1st Wednesday of each month between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) or call us at 814-237-8386.
The beginning of the school year is a time when we sometimes hear from families who find themselves unexpectedly looking for an alternative to their child's current school situation. Sometimes it's because the transition to a big middle school isn't quite working out; sometimes parents realize their child's individuality is best served in a small, nurturing community where they can develop at a different pace; and sometimes preschool age children blossom - as if overnight - suddenly showing signs of readiness for adventures outside the home. We're here to help you sort out the individual needs of your child; please be in touch. Parents and Students Describe What They Love about Friends School:" . . . I am so delighted with the integration of spirituality, mind/body wellness into the curriculum. I’m also always impressed by how the school integrates learning about others’ cultures and traditions throughout their lessons. Walking into Friends School feels like receiving a big hug . . . It is a warm, loving, educationally enriching environment where quite literally all are welcome."
- Parent, Maria Vinca ". . . every day when we walk in, it’s clear from the children’s behavior that this is a place where they are welcomed, cared for, and have an unusual level of agency . . . children have a chance to get to know and feel connected to kids in other grades; they feel a part of a community, and it shows.
- Parent, Seta Toroyan "For our daughter, the small class size and close-knit community in the Friends School Middle School allowed her to navigate those extremely formative years with grace and courage, paving the way for her to develop into the confident young woman she is now. "
- Parent, Molly Countermine Read more. SCFS Parent Portal
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News and Noteworthy
Annual School Event Recognizes Our Quaker Roots - Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship
The SPICES of Life Celebration is one of our school's signature friend and fundraising events to support students through our scholarship fund. This early evening event for adults is a festive gathering that includes local foods, silent and loud auction, music, and a little boutique of cash and carry goodies. Last year we raised nearly $23,000 to support a diverse learning community. Read more. RSVP HERE. 
Friends School Receives Prestigious Green Ribbon Award
Head of School Donnan Stoicovy, along with two students and their parents attended the 2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School recognition ceremony at the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. The Green Ribbon award ceremony may be found online on the U.S. Department of Education Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ed.gov. Green Ribbon schools reduce their environmental impact; create healthy learning environments, and provide real-world sustainability education that prepares students to succeed in the 21st century. Quaker Schools Stand for Peace, Justice, Respect, and Social Action - State College Friends School Supports this Statement Published by Friends Council on Education
Read more. 
Friends Middle School Participates in State College Multi Cultural Diversity Fair with newly-digitized mural.
With an eye for proportion and a knack for managing extraordinary photography and art, local photographer Michael Black and local artist William Snyder III worked for several months to disassemble, digitize, preserve, and reassemble a 6 foot by 17 foot student-created piece of art with a message. Saturday, September 28th, Head of School Donnan Stoicovy and several middle school students who worked on the mural will unveil the mural for its first public viewing. With grant funding from the Southern Poverty Law Center and Friends Council On Education, along with independent funds raised by Middle School teacher Bailey Kellermann, the mural will be shared with other interested organizations or institutions around the country. Read more about the mural. Friends School Hosts Inter-generational Fair
State College Friends School and Penn State's Intergenerational Leadership Institute are partnering to host the area's first community-wide inter-generational gathering, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at the State College Friends School, 1900 University Drive. Read more.
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A Tradition of Successful Learners
- Confident, Creative, Compassionate -
- Confident, Creative, Compassionate -