Welcome to State College Friends School 

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We are a Pre-K through grade 8 school, guided and inspired by the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship.  For nearly 40 years, our teachers and staff have been helping students to become successful learners who are confident, creative, and compassionate. 

Since our founding in 1980 as an alternative to public school, our teachers and staff have viewed learning as a process of exploration and self-discovery, through which children build skills and knowledge experientially by working with teachers and fellow students.

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 . . .  

Parents and Students Describe What They Love about Friends School:

  • Everyone is welcomed and involved, right from the start.
  • We felt at home as soon as we entered and we still feel that way.
  • Teachers have a deep concern for children as individuals, each with their own personalities and learning styles.
  • This school designed for real learning, not testing.
  •  It's amazing to be present as a parent in Meeting for Worship and to feel the value of this simple practice.
  • There's time to play and get fresh air, especially in middle school.
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​"I was volunteering yesterday in the room where we answered the question, "how long is our room measured in 2nd graders?" I just want to add that these anecdotal stories ( Facebook post ) aren't a collection of the best of the best - this is yesterday's snapshot, and represents everyday's snapshot.

As a parent and former physics teacher, I love this curriculum and how our teachers teach it. It is full of inquiry, problem solving, and recognition that there are many "right" ways to think about math problems. Every 1 hour class has a balance: a bit of drilling to keep old learning fresh, some teamwork, some public speaking in the form of presentation at the board, some hands on manipulative to see how math represents real quantities. Each week I volunteer I fear the room will ignite as sparks fly from each kid in turn. They are all thriving.

I leave feeling grateful. Every. Single. Day." 
​                              - Parent, Elizabeth Crisfield
School Calendars
SCFS Parent Portal
SCFS Alumni

News and Noteworthy

Friends School adds Pre-K classroom and additional K/1
Earlier this summer, State College Friends School made the difficult decision to close Friends Schoolhouse on E. Prospect Avenue.  Just two weeks ago, Friends Schoolhouse Teachers Deb and Migelle put the finishing touches on the new Pre-K classroom at University Drive.  "This is a really exciting time for our K/1 students who are eager to meet and help their new younger friends," said Lisa Gamble,  associate head of school.   From the youngest students to those about to graduate, this expression of affection and friendship has been one of the hallmarks of the school.  Learn more.
Student Artists Become Entrepreneurs for a Day
A number of Friends School summer campers, students and alums were present at the downtown Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts on Children's Day.  The campers were participating in activities on the lawn of Old Main, where face painting was one of the most popular activities.  Several students and alumni were set up for exhibition and sale of their work.
Learn more.
Donnan Stoicovy Named Interim Head of School
State College Friends School is very pleased to announce that Donnan Stoicovy has been hired as Interim Head of School for the 2018-2019 academic year.  Donnan will oversee all aspects of administration while the school completes a national search for a permanent head.  Learn More.
Fun Fair Raises Thousands for Student Scholarship
With the most favorable weather in years, families came to the Fun Fair by the car load.  There were many familiar faces and a remarkable number of new attendees.  With weeks of planning and preparation by Friends School families, and a full band of hard-working students, more than $8,000 was raised to benefit students. Learn more/view photos .
 Centre Gives Breaks Record with $1,425,745 in Donations and Friends School Raises $17,100.
Learn More.
State College Friends School Honored With Emerald Award for Recycling.  Learn More .
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Friends School ( Pre-K to Grade 8)
1900 University Drive
State College, PA 16801
814-237-8386
​814-235-1446 (fax)
Admissions: Lisa Gamble
Our Pre-K program, formerly known as Friends Schoolhouse, is now  Pre-K at State College Friends School, 1900 University Drive.  Learn more . . .