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 (this link will be reactivated shortly)

News and Noteworthy

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.
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The SPICES of Life Celebration, held Sunday, November 11th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. is one of our signature friend and fundraising events benefiting students of our school. Learn more. 
New Enrichment Program Complements K-8 Curriculum
Students in K-4th grade at Friends School  have an opportunity on Friday afternoons to discover new interests, participate in community-building activities, deepen their knowledge in a favorite subject area, and/or develop a new hobby through a new program directed by Karen Maynard.  Students in grades 5 through 8 participate in Middle School seminar with Teachers Baily Kellerman and Laura Beckley,  offering a set of similar experiences tailored to the needs and interests of young teens.
Learn more.  
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 . . .