Welcome to Friends School
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 . . . Pre-K through 8th Grade Open House and Play Day Schedule Below
Visit our classrooms to see teachers and students at work and play. We think you'll love the warm, welcoming atmosphere at Friends School and the way in which teachers give individualized attention to students. While you're here, arrange for your child to spend a day with us.
Interested in visiting right away? Drop by during a Walk-Through Wednesday - the 1st Wednesday of each month between 10:00 and 1:00, or write to Lisa Gamble for a visit when it suits your schedule. Open House and Play Days Pre-K to Grade 8 Open House & Play Day ages 3-5: Sat., Jan. 11th from 9:30 - Noon Pre-K to Grade 8 Open House & Play Day ages 3-5: Sat., Feb. 15th from 9:30 - Noon Pre-K to Grade 8 Open House: Fri., Feb. 21 from 10:00 - 1:00 Pre-K to Grade 8 Open House & Play Day ages 3-5: Sat., March 2nd from 9:30 - Noon Parents 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
Quaker Schools Stand for Peace, Justice, Respect, and Social Action - State College Friends School Supports this Statement Published by Friends Council on Education
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News and NoteworthyBB&T Bank Supports Friends School Students through EITC
Students in Teacher Michelle and Gwen's K/1 classroom were learning sign language when Michael Petrine and Jeffrey Barnes came to the school with a donation from BB&T Bank to help fund scholarships. The students gleefully shouted, "thank you!" and signed the letters B B T. They were very proud of themselves for their cleverness.
When 1st grade student Mari read the dollar amount ($10,000), written on the check, the room fell momentarily silent until several classmates took in a breath and exhaled with a big "ahhhh. . ." State College Friends School offers a flexible tuition to families interested in a Quaker education, grounded in the testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. The generous contribution from BB&T helps to make this financial assistance possible. For more information, contact Lori Pacchioli, director of advancement for Friends School. 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. 
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.
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A Tradition of Successful Learners
- Confident, Creative, Compassionate -
- Confident, Creative, Compassionate -