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

News and Noteworthy

The SPICES of Life Celebration - Scenes from a Successful Event
The SPICES FLASH FINALE BEGINS at NOON Today!
Nearly 160 people gathered in the the Atherton Hotel Ballroom last night to celebrate our school community and to raise money for the Scholarship Fund.   State College Friends School is a small Pre-K to Grade 8 independent school inspired by the Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship.  This annual friend- and fundraising event features a live and silent auction, and an online Flash Finale , all designed to raise money to support a broadly diverse student community.  The gallery of photographs, provided by Nathan Elliott offer a glimpse of the evening's festivities. 
If You're Curious About Our School, Come for a Visit
This is the time of year when we begin to hear from families who are looking for an alternative to their child's current school situation.  Sometimes it's because a student needs a smaller middle school community where they can be recognized for their individuality.  Sometimes children aren't thriving in school for any number of reasons.  Where space is available in our classrooms, we can enroll students now or after the winter break.  If you're curious about a Friends education, please visit with us.  Contact Lisa Gamble for a personal visit, stop by during a Walk-Through Wednesday, or plan to attend an Open House and Play Day. Open House and Free Play Day Schedule
Walk-Through Wednesdays-1st Wednesday of the Month
Families curious about a Friends School education are invited to stop by the 1st Friday of each month for a look around the school and a chat with staff and parents of current students.  No appointment necessary. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Annual Report 2017-2018 is Available Online
Enjoy a glimpse of students and teachers at work and play and learn about ways to support our independent school.
Read A Friendly Voice
Friends School adds Pre-K classroom and additional K/1
Learn more.
Student Artists Become Entrepreneurs for a Day
Learn more.
Donnan Stoicovy Named Interim Head of School
Learn More.
Fun Fair Raises Thousands for Student Scholarship
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 . . .