Welcome from the Head of School

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Thank you for your interest in State College Friends School, offering Pre-K and Jr.K (2019) through grade 8.  However, if you are interested in knowing more, you must visit to get a true feel of our child-centered programs.  
When you walk into State College Friends School (K-8) and Friends Schoolhouse (Pre-K), you immediately feel at home.  At Friends, everyone knows your name, cares deeply about education, and has only the best interests of your children at heart.  Here, children grow as learners and individuals, supported by teachers who truly value their unique efforts and contributions.  We have a vibrant community rooted in respect for individuals and a commitment to appreciating children fully for who they are and with a vision for who they may become.  Academically, we believe that children learn best as active participants, collaborators and problem–solvers within a community. 

In the tradition of more than 80 Friends schools across the United States, the Quaker principles of integrity, equality, community, simplicity, and peace guide our school’s daily life. State College Friends School meets children’s intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs in an environment that nurtures their social consciousness.  At Friends School, character and achievement are inseparable.  We want our students to act with integrity; serve others; advocate for justice, peace and equality; and develop a lifelong passion for seeking truth.

On behalf of our staff, students and school families, I hope you find the information you seek on our website and perhaps, the inspiration to learn more about this remarkable community of teachers and learners.  In fact, if you are in the position of choosing a school, I urge you to consider visiting State College Friends School, see our program in action, and learn what is possible in a school.

We are grateful for your interest and eager to share our story with you. I encourage you to stay in touch with happenings at SCFS through my weekly blog HEADLINES.  Please stop by to visit with us too.
 
In Peace,
Dan Hendey
dhendey@scfriends.org

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​We are an inclusive community.
In accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal statutes concerning discriminatory practices, and pursuant to that policy, no person shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, familial status, ancestry, gender identity, affectional or sexual orientation, religion or creed, or disability.

Our Beginnings

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In 1980, in the basement of the Friends Meetinghouse, State College Friends School began its very first year of operation with 12 students in kindergarten through third grade.  In 1988 four additional classrooms were leased at University Baptist and Brethren Church.  We began the 1998-99 school year in our new facility on University Drive, offering Kindergarten through 5th grade. The following year the middle school was added.  In the fall of 2010,  an early learning program for children ages 3 - 5 was developed. Friends Schoolhouse meets in the annex wing of the State College Friends Meetinghouse.  From our simple beginnings, State College Friends School continues to be an integral educational alternative in the community. 
The Friends School is like a second home to my children.  They love to come to school in the morning and they love to stay after school with their friends.  They are cared for and cared about and they know that. They're learning so much and it's not just academics.  It's about their place in the bigger community -  it's about living with integrity, solving problems peacefully, facing challenges creatively, and learning how to be  connected, truly connected with people. Thank you Friends School.  

Our Vision

​Our Quaker values and a passion for learning translate to an academically stimulating, vibrant, nurturing and inclusive school community built on a foundation of respect and genuine concern for all.  Through a curriculum rich in service learning, students will have the opportunity to explore the personal, political, and environmental issues that others face.  By forming collaborative relationships with community partners, students begin to discover ways in which their decisions and actions can have a positive impact locally and globally.
 
We seek to attract, develop, and retain the best teachers and staff to lead our school.  Teachers will continue to have a high level of autonomy in the classroom and a voice in decisions related to the school’s educational program.  Through comprehensive development efforts and judicious financial management, we will support and sustain a diverse school community now and in the future.